What Should I Do While I’m on a Methadone Center Waitlist?

According to a study from the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, “Many methadone programs in the United States have waiting lists for care.” This is because of the high demand for these programs, the need for intense regulation of the drug itself, and the prevalence of opioid abuse in today’s society. If you have been put on a waitlist for a methadone center, it is still important to protect yourself and to do everything you can to avoid the possibility of a relapse.

Know Your Situation

It is a serious situation to be on a methadone clinic waiting list. Sadly, many people relapse while waiting to begin their methadone treatment, which will often cause overdose if the person is going through or has already gone through withdrawal. You must understand the situation you are in and how serious it is in order to avoid any issues while on a methadone clinic waitlist.

Visit Your Doctor

Your general doctor may be able to get you into a treatment program more quickly.

The best and most important thing you can do at this time is to visit your personal physician and ask them for help. They may be able to get you into a program where you will not have to wait for treatment or they may be able to talk to someone at the clinic on your behalf. In addition, visiting your doctor will ensure that someone is able to assess your medical situation right away and be able to tell you if you require further treatment or if you are experiencing any serious side effects from your substance abuse.

Ask a Friend for Help

It isn’t considered safe to go through opioid withdrawal without any kind of medication because the symptoms themselves are painful and uncomfortable, leading many individuals toward relapse. However, whether you are taking medication or not in preparation for your methadone treatment program, you should ask a friend or loved one to stay with you during this time. They can help you take your medication at the right dosage, watch for any signs of serious side effects associated with your recovery, protect you from the possibility of relapse, and help you with daily tasks. You will likely feel overwhelmed during this time, and having a friend with you can help as well as make your entire situation safer.

Attend Counseling

While counseling is also a part of almost every methadone maintenance program, there are different types of counseling and therapeutic options that are extremely inexpensive and even free. For example, you may want to attend individualized counseling or family counseling with your loved ones to start your recovery right away and help you avoid the possibility of relapse.

In addition, there are many types of mutual-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous, LifeRing, and SMART Recovery where you can attend meetings for free, meet others who are also going through recovery, and learn more about how to safely end your substance abuse. These programs can help you stay on the right path while you’re waiting to begin methadone maintenance.

What Should I Do If My Clinic Will Be Closed for the Day?

There are some instances where, for a holiday, an emergency, or another specific situation, methadone clinics may be closed for the day. Because “single oral doses are administered daily under observation at a licensed clinic,” according to the National Institute of Justice, this is an instance patients need to plan for ahead of time. Know ….

Want to Learn More?

Call us at 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) and we will answer any questions you have about methadone maintenance and its preparation process. We can also help you find clinics in your area. Call today.