Are there Free Methadone Clinics Near Me?

Methadone clinics have helped thousands of people dependent on opiates achieve their treatment goals, but, for the thousands of others needing this help, methadone treatments provided in the clinics have been, traditionally, unavailable or unobtainable due to the clinic locations and treatment costs.

With an epidemic rise in individuals needing treatment for prescription painkillers and heroin addictions, making these treatments more accessible and affordable has become a primary initiative of medical communities, authorities, and society, in general. The chances of finding a free methadone clinic near you are getting better every day.

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Recognizing Opioid Addiction as a Medical Disorder

The stigmas attached to methadone clinics are quickly falling away as more scientific research shows that opiate addiction is not something that can easily be overcome through sheer willpower. It is a chronic and relapsing disease that results from physiological changes in how the brain functions and reacts to repeat use of opiates.

All opiates produce similar effects with varying degrees of potency, amounts, and methods of use and the individual has little to no control over developing a tolerance as the brain becomes adapted their presence. Once the person develops a dependency, cravings and physiological reinforcements are natural side effects that lead to addiction where almost any internal or external factor can be a “trigger” to use.

How Can a Methadone Clinic Help?

After decades of studies, methadone assisted therapies provided in methadone clinics continue to remain the most viable and effective form of pharmacological treatment for opiate addictions when combined with counseling, education, and comprehensive services including medical and psychosocial services for improvements in overall health and social functioning.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Federal regulations allow for the use of methadone in both a short-term detoxification treatment of less than 30 days and a long-term treatment of 30 to 180 days. The regulations also specify that if a patient has failed two detoxification attempts in a 12-month period he or she must be evaluated for a different course of treatment (e.g., ongoing opioid substitution therapy).”

Methadone clinics dispense methadone daily to individuals while monitoring their progress for detox and maintenance as they move toward their treatment goals. Individuals wishing to use methadone and the services provided by the clinic must comply with the rules and regulations of both the facility administrators and governmental requirements. Accordingly, after an established period time in maintenance, certain individuals become eligible for take-home doses which can help to alleviate the daily travel burdens.

Improved Access

In 2001, changes were made to methadone treatment programs improving access and effectiveness by transferring their oversight to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). All methadone providers who use methadone in the treatment of opiate addictions must be certified and accredited by the SAMHSA as an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) or affiliated hub.

This change allows for methadone clinics to operate more freely in both the private and public sectors without the strict limitations and overregulated practice requirements placed on the traditional methadone clinics. At the same time, it offers the opportunity for methadone clinic providers to provide quality care while, according to the SAMHSA, “meeting certain Medicare certification requirements, enhancing access to managed care contracts, and favorably influencing liability insurance premiums.”

With additional funding access, methadone clinics can be found in medical centers, hospitals, private facilities, physician’s offices, and many locally sponsored programs through affiliations with accredited OTPs. The SAMHSA provides a website list of accredited facilities by state.

Call 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) for help finding methadone maintenance treatment today.

Who Pays For Treatment?

Methadone helps people overcome opiate addiction so that they may go on to live healthier, happier lives.

While methadone clinics are becoming a more normal part of the mainstream healthcare system, there are many opioid dependent individuals who lack insurance, are unemployed, and suffer financial difficulties that leave them unable to afford treatment unless it is free. If treatment is free, who pays for it?

According to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2013, “More than half (57 percent) of clients receiving methadone were in private for-profit facilities with OTPs.” Many of these facilities are able to secure funding through a variety of sources that allow them to offset their costs for providing free treatment to indigent clients. It is up to the facility administrators where the funding contracts are made, but, it may come from:

• State or local funding sources
• Federal block grants
• Private foundations or funded programs, such as United Way
• Community or local sponsorships
• Medicaid or Medicare
• Social Service Providers

We can help you find the right methadone clinic for you. Call 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) toll free today.

Where to Look for Free Methadone Clinics Near You

Along with the SAMHSA OTP Directory by state, the SAMHSA provides a list of accredited facilities by state at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Select “Payment Assistance” options when designing your search for free or reduced fees.

You can also check the other links for state substance abuse agencies listed in the site for contact information. As with any source, it is best to contact the facility directly for updates on free treatment opportunities and possible referrals to your local nonprofit agencies offering free methadone clinics.

It may also be helpful to know that the Affordable Care Act provides subsidies based on income levels which can help you to offset treatment costs you were previously ineligible for. For more information on the Affordable Care Act you can call 1-800-318-2596 or go to: https://www.healthcare.gov/.