Our Methadone Maintenance Program is a primary harm reduction service. All clients entering the Methadone Maintenance Program undergo an assessment process, including a medical and psycho-social assessment. The program provides methadone dispensing, urine testing, counselling and rehabilitation planning/goal setting for opiate dependent clients. This program is available in Winnipeg and Brandon only.
Take the initiative
In Winnipeg, call 204-944-6200 and in Brandon, call 204-729-3866 (local) (toll free at 1-866-767-3838).
Ask to speak to the nurse at the Methadone Clinic. An assessment appointment will be made for you.
Although, others can refer you to the Methadone Program, you are responsible for calling staff yourself to set up an appointment.
You must be 18 years of age or older to become involved in the Program.
Methadone is a viable alternative to narcotic use when pregnant.
Methadone History
Definition: Methadone is a synthetic agonist (morphine like action) that is taken orally and has a long duration of action (a single doses is effective for at least 24 hours). Methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms and helps reduce drug cravings in opiate dependent individuals.
History: Methadone was developed in Germany at the end of the second world war as a substitute analgesic for morphine. Early research showed that it could also be used to treat withdrawal symptoms in heroin addicts. In the early 60's Dole and Nyswander demonstrated the feasibility of using methadone as a maintenance medication with opioid addicts.
Maintenance: Methadone maintenance involves the daily administration of methadone over an extended period as an oral substitute for heroin or other morphine like drugs to opioid dependent individuals. A single dose administered to stabilize an individual lasts between 24 - 36 hours without causing euphoria sedation or analgesia. This enables the individual to function normally and to perform mental and physical tasks without impairment. In sufficient doses cross tolerance to other opioids develop.
Admission Process
Contact us for more information:
In Winnipeg: 204- 944-7070
In Brandon: 204-729-3866 (toll free 1-866-767-3838)
Contact: An assessment appointment for an interview with one of the nurse therapists is made based on preliminary data obtained by telephone. At the initial interview a complete psycho-social assessment is done.
Assessment: The purpose of the psycho-social assessment is to:
- gain an overview of problems in life functioning and establish baseline data across various areas.
- discuss and identify treatment goals.
- identify psycho-social concerns that require referral.
- determine client interest in services available at AFM or elsewhere.
Medical Assessment: The medical assessment is done within 3-4 days of the psycho-social assessment. The purpose is to:
- determine clients' suitability for methadone treatment.
- screen for medical complications associated with drug use.
- identify other medical problems.
- identify factors that put an individual at risk for harm.
Once suitability has been established, the client is introduced to staff and is given a starting dose of methadone, with a reassessment completed the next morning. In the Brandon Clinic, methadone is not dispensed, however, clients are provided with a prescription which will be dispensed at local pharmacies.
The client signs a contract that he or she will abide by the rules of the program, with particular reference to behavior on the premises, and drug monitoring.
Methadone Program Criteria
Individuals who are opiate dependent are eligible for the program. The diagnosis of opiate dependence will be based on some or all of the following:
- History of opiate use.
- Use of opiates to prevent withdrawal.
- Continued use of opiates despite recurrent problems.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce use.
- Priority of opiate use over other important life activities.
- One urine drug screen positive of opiates.
- Previous unsuccessful attempts on methadone treatment will not exclude a client from this program.
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