Prairie Ridge Opens Opioid Treatment Program Offering Methadone Services

Prairie Ridge has officially opened a new Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) providing methadone treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder, expanding access to evidence-based care in North Iowa.

The clinic completed a “soft” opening in mid-December and has already begun serving patients. To date, four individuals have received treatment through the program, including two patients who transferred their care from UCS in Waterloo to reduce travel time and two individuals newly initiating methadone treatment.

Individuals who may benefit from methadone treatment can contact Prairie Ridge directly to schedule an evaluation.

Evaluation and Treatment Process

Initial evaluations are conducted by Prairie Ridge psychiatry providers, including Dr. [Name] and Shelby Allen Benitz, DNP, PMHNP. When appropriate, patients may begin methadone treatment the same day as their evaluation.

Within two weeks of starting treatment, patients are required to complete:

• An evaluation with a primary care provider, either at Prairie Ridge or externally, and

• A therapy evaluation at Prairie Ridge

Following these assessments, an individualized treatment plan is developed collaboratively with each patient.

The clinic conducts evaluations during standard business hours. Medication dosing hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Patients who remain engaged in treatment and demonstrate that benefits outweigh risks may earn take-home doses over time, typically at a rate of one additional take-home dose per month. All patients receive a take-home dose for Sundays, with additional weekday take-home doses earned gradually through continued participation.

About Methadone Dispensing

Methadone is dispensed directly through the Opioid Treatment Program and is not prescribed through a pharmacy. As a result, it does not appear on a patient’s pharmacy medication list. Patients receive education about this process.

If dose verification is required for outside medical care, Prairie Ridge can be contacted directly. After hours, calls are routed through an on-call system, allowing counselors to reach the clinic nurse for dose verification as needed.

Standard urine drug screens may be positive for opioids in patients taking methadone. Prairie Ridge uses confirmatory mass spectrometry testing, which can distinguish methadone from other opioids. These confirmatory results are typically returned within 48 hours.

Why Methadone Treatment Is Important

Methadone is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Studies show it reduces all-cause mortality by approximately 50 percent. The medication helps stabilize patients by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to return to functional, meaningful daily lives.

Prairie Ridge officials say the opening of the OTP reflects a commitment to addressing opioid use disorder locally and improving access to life-saving treatment options for North Iowa residents.