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First 24/7 methadone clinic in Tucson a success for CODAC

Posted at 10:23 PM, May 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-25 01:34:59-04

CODAC has opened a 24/7 methadone clinic located at 380 E. Ft. Lowell Road. 

The purpose of the clinic is to give addicts treatment on demand. 

Since it's opening in January - the clinic has already seen success. 

The clinic has seen an increase of 200 new patients a month and 600 people a day getting methadone doses. 

"So that when people are ready for treatment they can come in and we can assess them and make recommendations for them," says CODAC Vice President of Clinical Services, Dan Barden. 

The 24/7 methadone clinic comes in handy when a addict makes the decision to seek help and get clean. Methadone is a medication therapy to treat opioid addiction and it's dependence. 

Barden says, "Methadone helps people with cravings, managing the cravings so that they're not inclined to go use. They will be able to function, hold jobs, go to jobs, participate with their families, and go into the community and live that normal life that people are always craving." 

RELATED: First 24 hour methadone clinic opens in Tucson

Barden says, every minute counts because if an addict waits until business hours like many other clinics in Tucson - people can change their mind and not get help. "between that person saying - I'm fed up, I have to do something - it's more likely they're going to use if they don't get help right then and there." 

The way the clinic works is - The patient will sign into the front desk, take a urine test, get their dosage, drink the methadone and go on their way. The nurse will ask questions for the patients safety. 
No patient will be so here's how it works - a client will walk into this room - go directly to the window - get their dosage - drink it and head out.>

Brendon Bond who sought out help with CODAC says the clinic is needed in Tucson. 

While Bond chose suboxone to get clean - he says, methadone will help many people and it's need in Tucson. 

RELATED: How CODAC is helping one mother stay clean for her son

"It would have helped more because it's opened later or whatever if something happened and I knew this place was open and I don't have to call the cops - I can come here and get help," says Bond. 

Barden says, "Recovery is an everyday struggle. You will deal with people places, situations everyday that reminds you of use."

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