Counselling is an important part of addiction treatment. Methadone clinics can only be used by recovering addicts who are not addicted to opioids. The clinic requires that patients attend counseling groups and individual counseling sessions. The general consensus is that the greater the number of counseling contacts an individual is willing and able to attend, the better the program's success rate. Prevention of HIV transmission and exposure is an important part of counseling. Patients should be referred to or provided with services by clinics, including community resources, vocational rehabilitation and education. Prenatal-care is also possible. Although there is no standard for the duration of methadone treatment (but it is recommended that longer treatments be used to achieve better outcomes). When transferring to a community-based setting, patients who have received methadone treatment in closed settings should be supported. Patients who decide to discontinue methadone treatment should talk to their doctor.
Even though it is not required by law in the United States at the moment, patients are encouraged to try other treatment options before deciding to enter methadone treatment programs. Methadone has been the most popular treatment option at clinics since its introduction in 1960s. It is sometimes part of other protocols. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), provides a protocol for treating addiction. It recommends medication assisted treatment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), as well as medical detox. Newer medications, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, have been developed to reduce drug cravings and prevent physical dependence. CBT is a individualized treatment plan that allows therapists to examine patterns of maladaptive drug use and help develop alternative behaviors. Medical detox provides safety and comfort through long-term monitoring that monitors withdrawal symptoms until they are gone.