When looking for opioid addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, you can choose from inpatient or outpatient options. While inpatient care involves checking into a facility, outpatient care consists of regular visits. Both treatment models have benefits for patients. The right choice for one person will differ from someone else’s because everyone has a unique experience with addiction and recovery.
Methadone maintenance, a popular type of opioid use disorder treatment, counts as an outpatient model. As an outpatient treatment option, it involves a different approach than inpatient programs. Discover how outpatient methadone treatment compares to inpatient options and how you can find the best choice for your needs.
About Methadone Maintenance Treatment
As a form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone maintenance involves the use of medicine to relieve withdrawal symptoms. During this form of treatment, the patient takes the medication methadone which has been successfully treating opioid addiction for more than 50 years. Methadone activates the same parts of the brain as opioids allowing it to reduce withdrawal effects. While methadone interacts with the body like other opioids do, it is useful as a treatment when medically-supervised in a therapeutic dose. A therapeutic dose is when the prescribing doctor and patient find an amount of medicine to take that relieves withdrawal without causing euphoria.
During a methadone maintenance program, the patient visits their clinic every day to take their medicine. They can work toward earning take-home privileges by meeting benchmarks set by the government. These daily treatments provide patients much needed structure as they build positive recovery habits.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient Treatment: Pros and Cons
Which has more effectiveness — outpatient or inpatient programs? SAMHSA indicates that, “MAT has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for individuals.” Inpatient programs are primarily abstinence-based, and while they work for some there are historically high rates of relapse associated with abstinence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Triggers and symptoms: What kind of triggers for use and symptoms do you have? Patients with multiple triggers and severe symptoms may benefit from a focused inpatient environment.
- Insurance and cost: How much can you afford to pay for treatment? Outpatient treatment methods tend to have better affordability than inpatient approaches.
- Lifestyle and commitments: Do you need to stay at work or in school? Do you have children or family members that you are for? An outpatient program lets you schedule treatment around your other commitments.
The effectiveness of a treatment option also depends on the facility’s credentials and reputation. For example, you might find that a local outpatient treatment center has better patient satisfaction than your area’s inpatient options.
Why Choose Outpatient Treatment for Addiction Recovery?
Everyone has personal reasons for choosing outpatient treatment that may include:
- Long history of success for opioid use disorder
- Wanting to stay at home with loved ones
- Remaining committed to work or school
- Combining outpatient treatment with programs like patient groups
- Having the ability to afford treatment
Choosing the right treatment program for yourself requires self-reflection and an understanding of your disorder. An addiction treatment center can help you learn about your options to make an informed decision.
Get Help From MedMark Treatment Centers
To learn more about outpatient methadone maintenance treatment for opioid addiction, contact MedMark Treatment Centers today. Our knowledgeable team can answer your questions about MAT and schedule your first appointment at one of our clinics.
