Methadone maintenance therapy
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 Methadone     binds to the to the brain's receptors for opioid drugs, also known as opioid receptors. At the proper dose, methadone fills these opioid receptors and relieves the need for another opioid drug. When a patient is taking methadone at a proper dose, it does not have any other effects. Methadone does not fuel addiction when taken properly as it does not provide a high. It does not change how you feel or who you are. These properties are what allows methadone to free the patient from the driving force of  opioid dependence  and gives them the opportunity to focus on their recovery from addiction.

Once a patient has become accustomed to taking methadone, a single dose will last from 24 to 36 hours. This means that there no longer a need to take another opioid every few hours. The patient no longer has to search for drugs and deal with the emotional roller coaster of being up and down all throughout the day. A stable dose of methadone provides protection from relapsed use of addictive opioid drugs.

Methadone maintenance treatment is offered by clinics that specialize in opioid replacement therapy, commonly known as methadone clinics. There are various clinics in  Canada. 

You could also ask a doctor or nurse, or contact your  local Addiction Services or Crisis Center  for direction to a local methadone program.

 Methadone is not useful in treating an addiction to cocaine, powder or crack, methamphetamine (speed), MDMA (ecstasy), benzodiazepines (valium and others), marijuana or alcohol.

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Cost of Methadone maintenance therapy