Also, methadone is a popular treatment with drug abusers. This is important because treatments can only be effective if addicts are willing to enroll and remain in them. The effectiveness of methadone treatment for stopping illicit opioid use and reducing criminal behavior has been shown repeatedly in many studies of various designs. It is important, however that patients be maintained on adequate doses of 60 mg or higher in order to achieve the benefits of methadone treatment. Improved psychosocial function.
Counseling is a mandated and effective element of methadone treatment.
Because methadone promotes good treatment retention, it allows counselors to work with patients on other aspects of their life, which has typically been disrupted by excessive drug use and criminal involvement. Several studies have shown that treated drug abusers improve in areas of employment, family and social relations and psychological functioning during methadone treatment. Access, preferably on-site, to primary medical and psychiatric care has been shown to increase effectiveness of treatment. Other drug abuse treatment medications. These serve many of the same functions as methadone but each has its own particular advantages.