Methadone clinics all have a medication diversion control policy. Methadone is a strong medication, and must be maintained in a secure location at all times. This becomes particularly important when a client earns methadone take home privileges.
With take home medication comes the responsibility of insuring that no one else has access to a client's methadone take home dose(s). This requires that each client provide a locked container of some type in which he or she will store their take home medication.
Each day's methadone dose is packaged & labeled separately. Upon receipt of take home doses from the clinic nurse, a client will collect & place all doses in their respective lock box container. Losing or misplacing take home doses is usually a violation of a clinic's take home agreement and can result in suspension of take home privileges.
While this may seem like a stiff penalty, it is good practice and helps to insure that all parties involved are taking necessary precautions. Methadone is safe when used properly, but can lead to serious medical emergencies if ingested by a child or non-tolerant user. Ultimately, each client must be responsible. And each clinic must take all available safeguards. The public depends on it, and regulatory authorities demand it.
A 2008 study, funded through 
As individuals enter methadone treatment, there are generally two important considerations. The first is dealing effectively with opiate withdrawal and establishing early relief from withdrawal sickness. The second consideration is embarking upon the more enduring process of holistic addiction recovery.
