Getting methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) is a bit different from getting other medications — it can't be picked up at a regular pharmacy or prescribed by a standard doctor's office visit. It must be dispensed through a specially certified opioid treatment program (OTP).
Here's how to get started:
- Talk to a primary Show Full Answer
Getting methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) is a bit different from getting other medications — it can't be picked up at a regular pharmacy or prescribed by a standard doctor's office visit. It must be dispensed through a specially certified opioid treatment program (OTP).
Here's how to get started:
- Talk to a primary care doctor or addiction specialist — They can review your health history and point you toward appropriate treatment centers
- Find a SAMHSA-certified clinic — Only clinics certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can legally prescribe methadone for OUD
- Check that the clinic is DEA-registered — This is a requirement for all opioid treatment programs
- Search for clinics near you — Visit findtreatment.gov or the SAMHSA website to search by state, or call the American Addiction Centers helpline at (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) Once you find a clinic, there's an intake process that typically includes reviewing your medical history, a physical exam, discussing current medications, and meeting with a healthcare provider to build a treatment plan tailored to you.
Early in treatment, visits to the clinic are often frequent — sometimes daily — to receive your dose. Over time, and based on your progress, you may qualify for take-home doses. Since 2024, there's been more flexibility around take-home doses, which is great news for people in stable recovery.
It's also worth checking whether your health insurance is accepted at the clinic before enrolling, as many clinics list this information on their websites.
August 20
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