Methadone is often used to help people recover from opioid use disorder (OUD).¹ This article explains methadone treatment, how methadone works, possible side effects, and how it is used to treat OUD. Medications like methadone can benefit people receiving addiction treatment by reducing or eliminating withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and blunting or blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. Methadone is one type of medication used to treat opioid use disorder.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is an FDA-approved drug used to treat opioid use disorder.¹ It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.¹ When used as a treatment for opioid use disorder, methadone blocks the effects of illicit or misused opioids, reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and can help people achieve and sustain recovery.¹

Methadone comes in liquid, powder, or pill form and is usually taken under the supervision of a practitioner.¹ Methadone used to treat OUD is dispensed through federally certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs).¹ Medication treatment is one part of a person’s treatment plan and may also include counseling, behavioral therapies, and other supportive services.¹

When taken as prescribed, methadone is a safe and effective medication treatment for opioid use disorder.¹However, methadone has the potential to be diverted and misused and may result in unintentional overdose if it is not taken correctly or if it is used concurrently with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.¹

What Is a Methadone Clinic?

A methadone clinic is a common term for an OTP that provides methadone as a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Methadone used to treat OUD can only be dispensed through a federally certified OTP.¹²

A methadone clinic is not necessarily the same as a residential rehab center. Some addiction treatment programs may support patients receiving methadone or coordinate care with an OTP while the patient participates in additional treatment services.¹²

What Is Methadone Used For?

When used to manage opioid withdrawal, methadone can help reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms as well as blunt or block the euphoric effects of opioids.³

Methadone doses are generally provided through an opioid treatment program.³ Under current federal rules, OTP practitioners have greater flexibility when deciding whether take-home methadone doses are appropriate. Some patients may receive take-home doses beginning early in treatment based on the clinical judgment of their treating practitioner and individual safety considerations.¹³

There is a risk of withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking methadone. Talk with your treatment provider before reducing or stopping methadone so you can develop an appropriate plan.¹

What Is Methadone Maintenance Treatment?

Methadone maintenance treatment is typically continued for as long as it provides a benefit and a person wishes to continue it; tapering off the medication may be associated with a return to opioid misuse and an increased overdose risk.⁵Patients with opioid use disorder may receive methadone maintenance treatment for months, several years, or longer depending on their individual treatment needs.⁵

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that activates the same opioid receptors as heroin and prescription opioids such as morphine.⁶ When taken as prescribed for OUD, methadone can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings and can lessen or block the effects of other opioids.⁷

What Are the Side Effects of Methadone?

Methadone’s side effects are like those of other opioids:¹

Restlessness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Slowed breathing.
Itchy skin.
Heavy sweating.
Constipation.
Sexual problems.

Rehab Centers That Allow Methadone Treatment

Some rehab centers support patients who receive methadone treatment, but methadone for OUD is dispensed through a federally certified opioid treatment program. A rehab center may coordinate care with an OTP so a patient can continue medication while receiving additional addiction treatment services.¹²

There is no “one size fits all” approach to the treatment of OUD. Many people benefit from methadone treatment for varying lengths of time, including long-term or lifelong treatment. Patients receiving methadone may also participate in treatment or recovery services offered in settings such as:⁵

Outpatient substance use treatment centers.
Inpatient or residential substance use treatment centers.
Community-based health centers.
Hospital-based health clinics.
Mental health hospitals.
Long-term therapeutic communities.

Ongoing outpatient medication treatment for OUD is associated with better treatment retention and outcomes than treatment without medication. Depending on the patient’s individual circumstances and the clinical judgment of the OTP practitioner, take-home methadone doses may also be available.¹³

If you’re searching for a methadone rehab or a rehab center that supports patients taking methadone, ask how the facility coordinates medication with a certified OTP.

Methadone Treatment During Opioid Detox

Detoxification can be a beneficial first step for recovery of opioid use disorder.²The goal of detox is to manage the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of medical consequences.²Methadone may be used during opioid detox to help manage withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid discontinuation.⁶

Detox alone is rarely sufficient for long-term recovery from opioid use disorder.⁸ Continuing treatment and addiction aftercare can help support ongoing recovery.⁸

Methadone Use in Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient or residential treatment may be appropriate for some people with OUD based on factors such as the severity of substance use, co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, the person’s recovery environment, and available social support.⁵ Treatment may last several weeks or longer depending on the patient’s individual needs.⁵

In long-term residential facilities, patients may stay for extended periods.⁹ With inpatient addiction treatment, patients may receive room and board, recovery support, counseling, case management, medically supervised withdrawal, and onsite mental health services.⁵ Inpatient treatment is typically highly structured.⁵

Methadone Use in Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment may be appropriate for people who can safely receive care while continuing responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations. Having a stable environment and recovery support may also be important when determining the appropriate level of care.⁹ Outpatient addiction treatment varies in the type and intensity of services provided.⁹

Some patients may attend outpatient treatment several days per week, including through partial hospitalization programs or intensive outpatient programs.⁵ Methadone for OUD is provided through an OTP, although eligible patients may receive take-home doses based on their individualized treatment plan and the clinical judgment of their practitioner.¹³ Opioid treatment programs may also provide counseling, medical care, recovery support, and other services.¹²

Does Insurance Cover Rehabs that Use Methadone Treatment?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) considers certain types of care essential health benefits.¹⁰All rehab insurance plans that are offered in the Marketplace must cover essential health benefits, including:¹⁰

Mental health services.
Substance use disorder services.
Prescription drugs.

Coverage for specific services, medications, facilities, and providers can vary by health plan and state regulations.¹¹ Learn more about rehab insurance coverage or verify your insurance benefits using the form below.

How to Find a Rehab That Offers Methadone Treatment

Methadone treatment can help people with opioid use disorder achieve and sustain recovery.¹ If you’re looking for a rehab that supports patients receiving methadone treatment, use our search tool to find rehab centers near you that fit your treatment needs.

You can search by insurance provider, level of addiction treatment, location, medication options, and other treatment needs. Because methadone for OUD is dispensed through certified OTPs, ask prospective rehab centers how they support or coordinate methadone treatment before admission.¹²

Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder