How to Start Methadone Treatment

For many, the decision to enter methadone treatment doesn’t come easy as most have already gone through some form of drug rehab in the past. Often referred to as the treatment of last resort, methadone treatment provides a range of supports that most benefit people coming off severe opiate addiction problems.

Once the decision is made, the next issue at hand has to do with how to start methadone treatment. Fortunately, it’s a pretty straight-forward process in terms of finding methadone providers, undergoing the assessment process and dealing with payment issues.

Finding Methadone Treatment Providers

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Not surprisingly, how to start methadone treatment begins with finding suitable methadone providers. While any general physician can prescribe methadone as a pain treatment, methadone’s use as an opiate addiction treatment falls under strict government controls and regulations.

According to IN.gov, only certified opioid treatment programs can administer methadone for addiction treatment purposes. That being so, your family physician may still be able to point you in the right direction as far as locating methadone treatment providers goes. Hospital emergency departments and 12 Step support group meetings may also prove to be good resources for information.

Not sure if your insurance will help cover your treatment costs? Call our helpline at 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) for more information.

Qualifying for Methadone Treatment

Federal laws concerning methadone require a person meet certain eligibility requirements before he or she can qualify as a candidate for methadone treatment. When asking how to start methadone treatment, it helps to keep in mind that individuals must go through an assessment process to determine eligibility.

According to the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, the assessment process takes a range of factors into consideration, including:

Drug abuse history
Medical history
Mental health history
Motivation for treatment
Family medical and mental health history
Vocational status

Ultimately, methadone treatment most benefits those struggling with the most severe forms of opiate addiction, so the information gathered during the assessment will determine whether you’re a likely candidate.

How Do I Start a Methadone Treatment Program?

If you are suffering from an opiate addiction, you are not alone. Opiates are highly addicting and any attempt to cease their use, after becoming dependent on them, leads to withdrawal symptoms that can be painfully unpleasant. Opiate addiction is a chronic disease with high relapse rates and overdose risks. If you have developed a ….

Paying for Methadone Treatment

Methadone treatment costs can vary considerably from program to program with the average cost ranging around $219 per month, according to Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. While this may not be affordable for everyone, recent changes in health care law have made substance abuse treatment affordable for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to pay.

In effect, government-sponsored insurance coverage, such as Medicaid and Medicare, as well as employer-sponsored plans are required to cover substance abuse treatment costs at the same rates as any other form of medical treatment. In terms of how to start methadone treatment, shoring up your financial options early on can make for a smoother start-up process overall.

If you or someone you know are considering methadone treatment and have more questions, or need help finding a program that meets your needs, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) to speak with one of our addiction specialists.