Narcotic Treatment Clinics

 

Methadone is a synthetic narcotic used in the long-term stabilization of opiate addiction.  The McLeod Center Opioid Treatment Program, staffed by a team of counselors and medical personnel, provides the client with a safe environment and medical and clinical counseling for the purpose of attaining a drug-free lifestyle.

The goal of the McLeod Center Opioid Treatment Program is for the client to become stable within 60 days of entering the program.  Dose levels during this period will be adjusted by the medical staff to create a safe stabilization.

Addictive disease education, family counseling, individual and group counseling, urinalysis testing, and HIV/AIDS education and information are included in the program.  Currently, McLeod Center doses in eight locations: Boone, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory, Marion, Monroe and Statesville.

Admission Criteria

Admissions are conducted on a walk-in basis.  The admission process consists of the intake interview and clinical assessment, explanation of the fee policy, medical examination by a physician and laboratory testing to determine client’s suitability for methadone treatment.  Methadone will not be dispensed until the entire admission process has been completed.

Clients must have a photo ID and the fee in order to go through intake.  All clinics accept Medicaid, and Medicaid clients must bring the Insurance Card as well.

Methadone 

Methadone is a synthetic narcotic used in the long-term stabilization of opiate addiction.  Methadone can help an individual stabilize the symptoms of long-time Narcotic Addiction by "occupying" the brain receptor sites affected by heroin and other opiates.

 

Methadone Works By

 

· Blocking the euphoric and sedating effects of opiates

· Relieving the craving for opiates

· 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.

 

Benefits of Methadone

· Reduced or stopped use of injection drugs

· Reduced risk of acquiring or transmitting diseases such as HIV, Hepatitus, Endocarditis, Tuberculosis, and STDs

· Reduced mortality—the median death rate of individuals in treatment is 30 percent of those not receiving treatment

· Reduced criminal activity

· Improved family stability and

· Employment potential

· Improved pregnancy outcomes