Methadone is a synthetic agent that works by "occupying" the brain receptor sites affected by heroin and other opiates. Methadone:
- blocks the euphoric and sedating effects of opiates;
- relieves the craving for opiates that is a major factor in relapse;
- relieves symptoms associated with withdrawal from opiates;
- does not cause euphoria or intoxication itself (with stable dosing), thus allowing a person to work and participate normally in society;
- is excreted slowly so it can be taken only once a day.
Methadone maintenance treatment, a program in which addicted individuals receive daily doses of methadone, was initially developed during the 1960s as part of a broad, multicomponent treatment program that also emphasized re-socialization and vocational training. Methadone maintenance treatment has important benefits for addicted individuals and for society.
These benefits include:
- reduced or stopped use of injection drugs;
- reduced risk of overdose and of acquiring or transmitting diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, bacterial infections, endocarditis, soft tissue infections, thrombophlebitis, tuberculosis, and STDs;
- reduced mortality - the median death rate of opiate-dependent individuals in MMT is 30 percent of the rate of those not in MMT;
- possible reduction in sexual risk behaviors, although evidence on this point is conflicting;
- educed criminal activity;
- improved family stability;
- employment potential;
- improved pregnancy outcomes.
Using commonly accepted criteria for medical interventions, several studies have also shown that MMT is extremely cost-effective.
Kansas Methadone Programs
- Bridgeway
6331 West 110th Street
Overland park, KS 66211
913-696-1911 - Center for Change – Lawrence
1910 Haskell Ave. A-9
Lawrence, KS 66046
785-856-1127 - Kansas City Metro Methadone Program
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-6493 - Kansas Treatment Services
1125 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-342-0888 - Topeka Treatment Center
3360 SW Harrison
Topeka, KS 66609
785-266-4100 - Addiction Behavioral Change / Matrix Center
9918 East Harry
Wichita, KS 67207
316-260-3445 - Center for Change – Wichita
1333 North Broadway, Ste. B, C, D
Wichita, KS 67214
316-201-1234 - Metro Treatment Center
630 North St. Francis, Suite C
Wichita, KS 67214
316-263-1623 - Wichita Treatment Center
939 North Main St
Wichita, KS 67203
316-263-8807