The Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center's Opioid Treatment Program ( OTP ) uses methadone as an adjunct to treatment for individuals who are addicted to heroin or other opioids. Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication that is used as a pain reliever and, together with counseling and other psychosocial services, is used to treat individuals addicted to heroin and certain prescription drugs.





What is Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)?

MMT helps normalize your body’s neurological and hormonal functions that have been impaired by the use of heroin or misuse of other short-acting opioids. Opioids are a group of drugs that act on the central nervous system. They include opiates such as codeine, morphine, and heroin as well as synthetic drugs such as oxycodone, oxycontin, hydrocodone, and methadone.

Appropriate MMT provides several benefits:

• Reduces or eliminates craving for opioid drugs
• Prevents the onset of withdrawal for 24 hours or more
• Blocks the effects of other opioids
• Promotes increased physical and emotional health
• Raises the overall quality of life of the patient

Prior to admission to the program each individual must complete the screening by a primary care physician or by a physician contracted by DDBHC.