Methadone is a prescription medication which like morphine or heroin is a full opioid agonist, which means that the same neural receptors are activated when a person uses methadone. But unlike heroin, methadone is regulated and used in facilities to treat opiate dependent individuals so that they don't feel the need to get involved in illicit drug use activities, won't crave illicit opiates, and won't feel the effects of withdrawal. So alternatively to quitting cold turkey, programs that treat methadone clients only are authorized to prescribe methadone to these individuals on a daily basis. This method of treatment is called methadone maintenance therapy.
Programs which treat methadone clients only are not typically geared to provide a wide range of extensive treatment services beyond daily dosing, although some clinics may deliver individual and group counseling. Methadone use is associated with side effects, potentials for overdose and drug interactions due to the fact that it is a full opioid agonist similar to heroin. Consequently, it is also a drug that is abused by opiate addicts. Seeking further treatment services in Alberta is highly recommended, including counseling, therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies that are effective in long term rehabilitation and relapse prevention.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs In Alberta, Click Here.