Sober living facilities are optional residential group homes for individuals to move into after completing a formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. They offer individuals a drug and alcohol-free residence that is a slightly less structured than in an inpatient substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program, but more structured and controlled than simply returning home. Each sober living facility will have its own set of rules and regulations as well as corresponding consequences for violations. Though the specific house rules of each sober living facility may differ slightly, all prohibit the possession and use of drugs and alcohol. However, in the official definition of recovery housing (e.g., sober livings) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) asserts “substance-free does not prohibit prescribed medications taken as directed by a licensed prescriber, such as pharmacotherapies specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of opioid use disorder as well as other medications with FDA-approved indications for the treatment of co-occurring disorders.” While methadone is not necessarily considered one of them, there are certain medications that do not necessarily pose a threat to the substance-free environment of a sober living facility.
Methadone
Methadone is a medication that was developed and is currently approved to treat chronic pain. Methadone is the generic name for the following medications Dolophine, Methadone HCI Intensol, and Methadose. The United State Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II controlled substances are denoted as substances that have a high potential for abuse, “with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” Methadone comes in several forms such as: oral solution, oral tablet, injectable solution, oral concentrate, and an oral dispersible tablet (to be dissolved in liquid prior to ingesting). The use of methadone as treatment for substance use disorder is only done under the direct supervision of a medical professional and is generally only available as a form of treatment in certified opioid treatment programs and methadone maintenance clinics. In some situations, it is possible for the prescribing medical professional to allow his or her patient to take methadone doses between visits, but only after the physician deems the individual is stable with his or her methadone treatment, which is a rare occurrence for those residing in a sober living facility. National Public Radio (NPR) asserts that the use of Methadone remains frowned upon by most operators of sober living homes. Nevertheless, each sober living facility has sole discretion over which medications they will allow its residents to bring with them and which they will not.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-318-3777. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
