Methadone is a regulated drug which like morphine or heroin is a full opioid agonist, meaning the same neural receptors in the brain are activated when someone ingests methadone. But unlike heroin, methadone is regulated and used in facilities to help opiate dependent individuals so that they don't feel they need to get involved in illicit drug use activities, won't experience intense cravings, and won't undergo the symptoms of withdrawal. So alternatively to quitting cold turkey, facilities which treat methadone clients only are licensed to prescribe methadone to these individuals daily. This type of treatment is called methadone maintenance therapy.
Programs which treat methadone clients only are not usually geared to provide a broad spectrum of extensive rehabilitation services other than daily dosing, although some clinics might provide individual and group counseling. Methadone use is associated with side effects, potentials for overdose and serious drug interactions because it is a full opioid agonist similar to heroin. Consequently, it is also a drug which is abused by opiate addicts. Seeking supplemental treatment services in Oakland is suggested, including counseling, therapy and psychotherapies which are effective in long term rehabilitation and preventing relapses.
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