Methadone Clinics in Connecticut

Methadone is a completely synthetic drug with a chemical relation to opium. It is an opioid agonist - it blocks the effects of other opioid drugs while also helping to relieve difficult withdrawal symptoms and cravings for users addicted to narcotics such as heroin or prescription painkillers. If you are struggling with the effects of substance use disorder, speaking to a healthcare provider about medication assisted treatment at a clinic in Connecticut may be the right next step for you. Methadone has shown promising results in the treatment of opioid dependency, with long-term sobriety maintained in 60% to 90% of individuals who follow their treatment plan correctly. For those not using medication, successful recovery may be less than 10%.

Is Medication Assisted Treatment in Connecticut Right for Me?

The signs of addiction may not always be obvious, but if you are experiencing drug cravings, loss of control over the frequency or quantity of your use, or your drug use is negatively affecting interpersonal relationships and other aspects of your life, it may be time for you to seek help from a Connecticut Methadone clinic. It is important to remember that opioid addiction is a chronic disease that needs careful, committed treatment.

How Do Methadone Clinics in Connecticut Work?

Methadone is only dispensed at specially licensed clinics. Patients will need to visit the clinic each day and take their dose under the supervision of a healthcare provider for at least the first month. After that, if deemed stable enough, a patient may be given a small supply of methadone to take home to administer their daily doses themselves. They will still be required to have regular check-ins with their physician and submit to drug screenings. Two other commonly prescribed drugs for substance use disorders are buprenorphine and Naltrexone, commonly referred to as Suboxone. These are available at addiction treatment centers or through certain certified primary care physicians.

Counseling is also required for those seeking medication assisted treatment. Here, patients will learn about addiction as a disease, healthy decision-making skills, coping skills to prevent relapse, and also learn about new resources that will help them begin to move forward positively with their life.

Where Can I Find A Methadone Clinic in Connecticut?

Methadone clinics in Connecticut can mostly be found near major cities. Due to long-held stigmas, there have been many roadblocks to establishing new methadone clinics in the state. Currently, Connecticut has clinics with about 21,000 patients, according to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. You should have a discussion with your primary care physician or contact your insurance company to find out where the best location is for you.

How Will I Afford Treatment?

Medication to treat opioid addiction can be very expensive, between $100 and $200 a week on average. Connecticut Medicaid can cover the cost of methadone under certain plans, dependent upon the clinic you choose to visit. Federal Law requires that those receiving coverage provide proof of having a substance use disorder. Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is also available for coverage through Medicaid. Some clinics may give you the choice to set up a payment plan or pay through private insurance. The best option is to speak to your healthcare team to find out what the best payment option will be for your unique situation.