Frequently Asked Questions

  • Opioids are drugs that cross over from the blood to the brain where they bind to opioid receptors.  When they bind to the receptors, they can cause euphoria, pain relief, sedation, and slowed breathing among other symptoms.

    There are many types of opioids including: methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, and buprenorphine among many others.

  • Methadone is a type of opioid that is very long-acting.  It usually stays in your body for a full day.  This is different from other opioids which require multiple doses per day to control withdrawal symptoms. 

    The goal of methadone is to control withdrawal symptoms for a full 24 hours so you don’t go into withdrawal and can focus on your life goals.  It can also help with cravings for the drug.

  • Yes!  Methadone has been studied for decades with research showing that not only is it safe, it helps people with opioid use disorder live longer, healthier lives.  The research shows there is a lower risk of death and transmissible disease in those taking methadone compared to people using drugs illicitly.

  • Though the medication is generally very well tolerated, it can lead to: weight gain, sweating, constipation, and changes in libido.

  • The proper dose is different person to person.  Methadone is broken down (metabolized) in the liver.  Each individual has a different liver function that metabolizes the medication at a different rate.

  • It depends.  Patients that are most successful remain in treatment until they stop taking other opioids entirely and then slowly taper down under the guidance of one of our medical providers.  This usually takes months or sometimes longer.  Some patients choose to remain in treatment indefinitely.

  • A minority of patients will need to stay on methadone in order to function and live a high quality of life.  You can speak with our providers about what is the best option for you.  Starting methadone is NOT a life sentence.

  • No.  This is a false belief of many people considering methadone treatment.

    When people first start treatment, we usually require that they come to the clinic for daily monitoring to ensure safety.  When patients are more stable, we offer take-home medication so you won’t come to the clinic every day so you can focus on living your life.  The timing of this decision is different person to person.

  • Yes!  Methadone is safe in pregnancy.  It does cross the placenta to the fetus, but once the baby is born, the effects of the opioids wear off quickly.  The baby is NOT addicted to opioids when they are born.  They will require additional support following delivery and the hospital stay may be longer to help the baby safely and comfortably let the medication leave the body.  There is no long-lasting harm to the baby.