Everything You Need to Know About Methadone Clinic Louisville KY

Charlotte Miller

Updated on:

Introduction

Although many people are aware of methadone clinics, not all are familiar with how these clinics work and what lies in store for them if they decided to visit. A methadone clinic Louisville KY is one of the most effective ways of treating a person struggling with opioid addiction. Medical professionals in these methadone clinics in Louisville work to help individuals in early recovery stages and support them in the initial treatment and detox process. In this article, we tell you what goes on in a methadone clinic and what you can expect on your first visit. We will also briefly tell you how to pick the right clinic that gives you the highest chance of success.

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What Is Methadone?

Methadone is a Class II drug that is used in treating individuals suffering from opioid addiction. Being a Schedule II substance, the medication is available only through a prescription and the FDA regulates it a lot. 

Methadone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids such as heroin and morphine. It helps prevent them from relapsing after quitting opiates. Also, it helps to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and can also act as a pain reliever. It is referred to as a long-acting opioid agonist. Long-acting means that the drug can stay in the body for up to 56 hours. Although it is an opioid, it does not make you high like typical opiates.

While methadone does not cure opioid addiction, it significantly improves the chances of an individual recovering from opioid abuse. It is most effective when it forms a part of a broad addiction treatment which also includes other components. 

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How Do Methadone Clinics Work?

People that want to overcome opioid addiction can seek treatment from a quality methadone clinic Louisville KY. Most clinics don’t require individuals to book prior and you are free to walk in and get treatment. When you go to a methadone clinic for the first time, you will be made to undergo a few tests and assessments to gauge your eligibility for methadone-assisted treatment. 

If the tests return that you are eligible for methadone treatment, you will receive a customized recovery program based on your level of addiction and unique needs. Medical professionals will then administer methadone, and you may be asked to visit the facility daily to get your dose. Some methadone clinics in Louisville will even allow you to take your doses at home after you convince them that you can take the drug responsibly.

Getting into a methadone treatment program has some benefits, which include the following:

  • You will experience fewer cravings for opioids
  • Your withdrawal symptoms will be less severe
  • You can function normally and don’t have to abuse opioids to do so
  • You won’t feel pleasure from using opioids, something that promotes sobriety.

If you decide to get into a methadone clinic Louisville KY for treatment, you must commit and be ready for a long-term recovery program. Also, methadone clinics in Louisville Kentucky will require that you take part in other forms of treatment such as group counseling or individual therapy.

Who is Eligible for Methadone Treatment?

Only people meeting certain requirements are eligible for methadone treatment programs. To qualify to receive this type of treatment, you must be found to suffer from physical opioid addiction and you must have struggled with dependence for a minimum of one year before going for treatment. The following are some of the things you can do to prove opioid addiction:

  • Present a doctor’s recommendation that describes the extent of opioid addiction
  • Show records of past opioid addiction treatments you received
  • Present opioid use or possession arrest records
  • Show a confirmation letter written by a parole officer.

People below the age of 18 aren’t generally eligible to be administered to a methadone clinic Louisville KY for treatment. But underage people can be admitted if they show written authorization from a parent or guardian or proof of past treatments.

 Also, pregnant women or those who only recently got out of prison qualify for methadone treatment without necessarily meeting the requirement of one year. Also, if you have previously received a methadone treatment, you may bypass the requirement of about one year period for addiction. 

Stages of Methadone Treatment

Upon entering a methadone treatment program, you will be taken through different stages of treatment to ensure that your needs are met fully. Many methadone treatment programs operate similarly but tend to vary slightly in terms of the methods of treatment. These are the methadone treatment stages:

The following are the primary stages of methadone treatment:

Assessment and Consultation

An extensive assessment is mandatory before you can be put on methadone treatment. This usually includes physical assessment and also drug screening. You will also get a consultation session with your doctor to find out the best treatment for your needs.

Stabilization 

The stabilization stage of treatment is for people that are taking methadone for the first time. You will get a dose of 10-30mg for several days after which the doctor will evaluate how the treatment is progressing. If you still have cravings or withdrawal symptoms, the doctor might increase the methadone dose.

Maintenance

After establishing a maintenance dose, you will continue taking the dose for many months until opioids are stopped completely. 

Some methadone clinics in Louisville KY may give you takeaway doses, so you don’t have to go to the clinic daily. But this is a privilege you have to earn over several months.

Conclusion

If you or a person you love is struggling to overcome opioid addiction, you may want to consider joining a methadone clinic Louisville KY for treatment. There are many methadone clinics in the country to help you defeat your opioid abuse and reclaim what’s left of your life. Methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms and also prevents you from getting high when you use it. It’s been used for over 30 years and has been proven to be one of the most effective methods to treat opioid use disorder.