Methadone is a synthetic opiate developed in Germany at the end of World War II. Since the 1960s, methadone has been used in the treatment of opiate addiction. Opiates include codeine, morphine, heroin, meperidine (Demerol®), oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid ®).

The rationale for the use of methadone in the treatment of opiate addiction includes:

• It is orally active (individuals drink methadone instead of injecting opiates 4-6 times/day)
• It has a long half-life (taken once/day)
• Methadone doses are stable over time
• When prescribed in appropriate dosages
• Methadone has no intoxicating or euphoric effects
• Individuals should not experience lethargy impairment
• Methadone deceases cravings for opiates
• Methadone has few side effects (sweats, weight gain and decreased sexual libido are the ones most commonly reported)
• Goal of Methadone Maintenance Treatment Services

The goal of APTS' Methadone Maintenance Treatment Services is to provide the opiate-dependent individual with the opportunity to achieve optimum health by:

• Reducing the inherent dangers associated with needle use including HIV and other blood-borne pathogens
• Reducing the crime associated with drug acquisition, reducing the drug use/abuse/dependence
• Enhancing positive lifestyle changes
• Admission Criteria for Methadone Maintenance Treatment Services

For admission to Methadone Maintenance Treatment Services, clients must meet the following criteria:

• Opiates as the drug of choice for at least one year
• Injection drug use
• Previous treatment for opiate dependence
• Capable of giving informed consent
• Medically manageable as determined by the physician
• Agreement with the terms of the treatment contract
• Have reached the age of majority (19 years)
• Admission Process

When a person contacts APTS requesting methadone treatment, she/he is referred to the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Services staff who obtain preliminary information, provide a complete service description, and explain expectations for participation.

If the person meets the admission criteria, she/he is provided with a date and time for a comprehensive assessment. This involves a two and a half to three hour interview where drug use history, medical and collateral information is gathered. A second appointment is set with a APTS physician for a complete physical examination. When all the information is collected, the Methadone Team and physician formulate an individual treatment plan that may include methadone as one of its components.

If methadone maintenance is recommended, over the next twelve weeks the person:

• Is stabilized on methadone in the Detox Unit
• Receives hishe/her methadone from APTS
• Participates in a number of group sessions
• Develops a treatment plan with help from the Methadone Team staff

May include participation in sessions with CORE and/or Counselling and Community Support Services

After successful completion of the twelve weeks with APTS, the person is referred to a community physician and pharmacist to administer the prescribing and dispensing of methadone.