Methadone Clinics: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: I need to know how do you get into a methadone clinic?

(Posted by: jazzm on 2008-12-11 14:14:50)

I have a family member that needs help , does he have to be using to get in or can he go in even if its been over a week since he has used but has the urge to use, he has told me that he has to have it in his system cause they do a urine screen ( ? ) to base how much methadone to give him ....he says he needs to have enough opiates in him so they give him enough methadone .....is all of this true ? I dont know what to believe , and its like these clinics are a secret society cause I cant find anything on them online , I am getting frustrated. any help would be so appreciated!

Posted by: ladykenmax on 2008-12-11, 15:35:53

Talk to a social work at a hospital. They have resources and might be able to help you. You could call a mental health hospital for advice.

Posted by: qtpie20121 on 2008-12-13, 18:09:55

It is true that he needs to have opiates in his system to get in otherwise anyone could come in and say they were addicted, get methadone, have no tolerance to the med. and die. It is not true that they use the UA to judge how much to give. As a matter of fact they want you to be mild withdrawal when you arrive so they prefer that you used no more than 48 hrs. before you arrive. The max amount one can receive on their first day according to federal guidelines is 30mg. then every other day usually you are raised by 5 mg until you are stable. Some clinics blind dose (don't tell you how much you are getting in the beginning ....first week). I have a page on my website that will explain everything that happens as a new patient and provides links to the guidelines, etc.) at ... findingnormal.webs.com/ newpatientinfo.htm