BH Health Services, Inc.

Who can enroll in methadone maintenance?

This agency prescribes methadone to persons over the age of 18 who are experiencing abuse or dependence of illicit opiates. These include: heroin, oxycodone (Percocet), OxyContin, hydrocodone (Vicodan, Lorcet), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and illicit methadone.

 

 

How much does methadone cost?

BH Health Services, Inc. accepts the following insurance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is also a cash pay option that is $85 a week. For new patients, there is also an additional one time fee of $140 which covers the initial intake assessment. (Amount due at time of intake is $225 for cash paying clients)

 

 

What is the expected length of time in treatment?

The length of time a client remains in treatment depends greatly upon the client. Methadone is meant to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings so the client can focus on making life changes that are necessary in order to remain illicit drug free.

 

 

What if I want to stop my methadone treatment?

Clients always retain the right to stop methadone treatment at any time. A medically supervised taper off of methadone is the preferred process for discontinuing methadone maintenance. Tapers can be started at the client’s request, preferably in collaboration with the clinical and medical staff of this agency.

 

 

Are there any adverse effects with methadone?

When taken properly as prescribed, long-term methadone treatment causes no adverse effects to any of the body’s organ systems. Some mild side effects such as constipation, water retention, drowsiness, skin rashes, excessive sweating, and alteration in sexual drive may occur in the early stages of treatment.

 

 

What is the proper dose of methadone?

Doses are determined individually due to differences in opiate tolerance and metabolism. Each client works with the medical director to determine their proper dose.

 

 

Is methadone a substitution of one drug for another?

No. Opiate addiction is similar to other chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure which must be managed with medical intervention. Methadone is a long acting synthetic opiate, which makes it useful as a treatment medication for addiction to the fast acting opiates.

 

 

Does methadone impair mental function?

Methadone does not usually have adverse effects on mental functioning if taken properly and as prescribed.

 

 

How are Medication Assisted Treatment programs monitored?

Medication Assisted Treatment is the most regulated form of treatment for substance addiction in the United States. Both Federal and State regulatory agencies monitor the implementation of Medication Assisted Treatment programs.

 

 

Does methadone react with other drugs or medications?

YES. Methadone is designed to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and block the effects of opiate based drugs. Clients should ALWAYS inform their methadone prescribing physician at the time of intake as well as any other medical staff that may be treating them of any other prescribed medications. Most overdoses occur when clients in treatment supplement their prescribed methadone with other central nervous system depressants. It is particularly dangerous and often times fatal when benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin), alcohol, and illicit methadone are used in combination with methadone.