Gynecologists

• Pregnancy
• Labor and Delivery
  At birth, the infant may have a slightly lower than average birth weight than a drug-free newborn. This is only temporary and can usually be avoided if the pregnant woman receives proper care before childbirth, and does not smoke or drink alcohol. Methadone crosses from the mother to the baby in the womb, and the baby can experience some withdrawal symptoms during the first few days after birth. Withdrawal usually develops slowly and is routinely treated by the baby’s doctor. There is no long-lasting harm to the child from methadone.

Psychiatrists

• Mental Health
  Over forty years of research demonstrates the positive effects of methadone on patients health. Patients have significantly reduced risks of infections associated with IV drug abuse, sexual behaviors, and other risky health behaviors. Many methadone-maintained patients begin experiencing increased physical and mental health within days of starting a treatment program. Most medical conditions observed in methadone-maintained patients are either related to their preexisting health conditions, new conditions secondary to their past drug abuse, or normal aging processes and health. A patient’s health actually improves in methadone maintenance treatment.