Is methadone maintenance always a long-term treatment in order to be effective?
Many people believe that once someone begins methadone treatment they must remain involved with this type of treatment for life. This simply is not true. Effective medication-assisted treatment programs are tailored to individual needs. While long-term treatment is either clinically indicated or a personal choice for some, others benefit from shorter-term treatment with a transition to a traditional outpatient setting immediately following the tapering phase.