Usually, the longer a patient remains in treatment, the better the outcomes, and the more cost-effective the program. Developed in 1964 at Rockefeller University by Drs. Stabilized patients suffer no cognitive impairment and function in a variety of vocational endeavors, including professional positions and service jobs, as well as skilled technical work. Methadone treated patients are lawyers, engineers, secretaries, truck drivers, teachers, construction workers and computer programmers. Methadone programs offer a wide array of services including health and mental health care, HIV counseling, testing and primary care, health education and wellness, individual, group and family counseling, case management, educational and vocational services and child and family.
Most programs provide comprehensive care with linkages to meet most patient needs.