Methadone Maintenance Treatment

What is methadone maintenance treatment?

Although other forms of treatment for opioid dependence continue to be explored, in Canada and internationally, methadone maintenance treatment remains the most widely used form of treatment for people who are dependent on opioids.

Methadone itself is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist, which is prescribed as a treatment for opioid dependence. People who are dependent on opioids may be dependent on either oral or injectable forms of opioids. Some individuals may also snort or smoke opioids. Methadone maintenance treatment is an appropriate form of treatment for opioid dependence, regardless of the route of administration of the drug of dependence.

There is no universal definition of what a methadone maintenance treatment "program" is--although the common thread is clearly the use of methadone. Program components and policies vary widely around the world, and within Canada. A comprehensive approach to methadone maintenance treatment, however, generally includes a number of key components--which can be delivered in a variety of ways and at varying levels of intensity--including:

• methadone dose;
• medical care;
• other substance use treatment;
• counselling and support;
• mental health services;
• health promotion, disease prevention and education;
• linkages with other community-based supports and services; and
• outreach and advocacy.