Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment with Methadone as an Adjunct

For individuals who are addicted to heroin or other opiates, medication management is available as part of a comprehensive outpatient treatment plan. Patients who have continuous opiate dependency are assessed by medical staff for medication stabilization and maintenance. The major goals of medication management are to; alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings for illicit opiates, and block the effects of illicit opiate use without producing unwanted side effects such as nodding or lethargy. This is accomplished through continuous assessment of individualized dosing for each patient. Use of medication, primarily methadone, is just one part of the treatment plan. Group counseling, individual counseling, case management and periodic drug screening are provided to address the primary goal of abstinence from illicit drugs as well as related concerns such as; prevention of HIV/Hepatitis C and other infectious disease, parenting, employment, criminal justice involvement, and management of mental health and primary health problems. With effective medical stabilization, the patient is able to begin the work of behavior and lifestyle change necessary for long- term recovery.