Methadone Treatment
Why Methadone?
Methadone, an FDA-approved medication, has a long history of use in opioid abuse dependence in adults and is available in specially licensed methadone treatment programs like Affinity Healthcare Group.
How Does Methadone Work?
Methadone prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
Methadone and Behavioral Therapies
To improve positive outcomes, methadone treatment is combined with behavioral therapies. Research has shown that the combination of medication and behavioral therapies, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), is one of the most effective approaches in treating substance use disorders.
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What Are Behavioral Therapies?
Behavioral therapies help recovering opioid addicts engage in the treatment process, modify attitudes and behaviors related to drug and alcohol abuse, and increase healthy life skills. These therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help recovering addicts stay in treatment longer.
There are a number of behavioral therapies that can be used in combination with medications to successfully address opioid use disorders:
Individual Therapy
- Equips individuals in recovery with skills to maintain a substance-free life.
- Addresses co-occurring mental health issues and the benefits of prescription medication in treatment.
- Supports their individual goals regarding employment, education and family relationships.
Group Counseling
- Reduces a person’s sense of isolation.
- Provides peer support and feedback.
- Develops social and problem-solving skills.
Family Behavior Therapy
- Provides education.
- Allows family members to express feelings and concerns.
- Helps secure family support for the person in recovery.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Helps recovering addicts recognize, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs.
Motivational Enhancement
- Helps recovering addicts develop proper reasoning and motivation, helping modify their addictive behaviors.
Motivational Incentives
- Uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs.
