A majority of clients who enter methadone programs do so without immediate family involvement in the admissions process. Often, a significant other knows of their loved one's decision to enter treatment, but chooses to remain "on the outside". There are several reasons for this including: apprehension about methadone clinics, feelings of embarrassment that their loved one has an opioid addiction, not wanting to invest time in the recovery process, or simply being too busy to spare the time.

Consequently, clients enrolling in methadone treatment programs typically go it alone early on. It is of course highly beneficial for each client to have some outside support, encouragement, and to be able to share their recovery journey with someone who cares about their struggles and progress.

I have found that many family just do not understand opioid addiction or the enormous benefit that medication-assisted treatment provides to those who are embarking ...

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A methadone clinic where I work has received a surge in calls from prospective clients who are interested in methadone to deal with their opioid addiction. We typically perform a telephone triage when someone calls, which is a sort of mini assessment to determine what services a client may be eligible for. After completing this brief telephone interview, we then offer recommendations which may include potential admission to our clinic for methadone treatment.

Some of these callers are currently in methadone treatment at a competing agency, but are interested in transferring to our clinic. The reasons for requesting a transfer are numerous. Sometimes it is because the client can save money, or they are simply closer to our particular location (less driving time).

I have had some clients report that they receive practically no counseling. In other words, they are basically paying to dose each day with methadone (which obviously ...

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