It will definitely help you stabilize your life and get your stuff in order. Just try to keep your dose as low as possible, I mean not too low, you need to find a balance. Some people go up just to feel high, don't do that. You need to find a dose with which you don't have cravings or w/d. So you don't want to have too low of a dose either. So don't be afraid to go up if you need to, but don't go up just to feel more high. Anyways, once you are at a certain dose you will get used to it and stop feeling the euphoria anyways and all you'll get is just more side effects. So its important to really take your maintenance period seriously in order to find that perfect dose for yourself. The minimum amount of methadone that will stop cravings and w/d. Also, just because you are not in w/d anymore doesn't mean your dose is high enough. You also want to not have cravings so you minimize your risk of using other substances. A good methadone dose will make it so that you crave no other drugs. It's pretty amazing how it does that. I have no cravings whatsoever for drugs, other than my daily methadone dose.
Also, some tips for you concerning the clinic. Since you want to stay for 6-12 months I am assuming you want to get take homes ASAP. I will give you some tips regarding the important things they look at when deciding whether to give you take homes.
*When you have a scheduled appointment with your counselor never ever miss that or be late. Get there 15 minutes early. It shows that you are responsible and that you are taking responsibility for your actions. IF you are gonna miss it let them know ahead of time, best 24 hours in advance. You want to minimize any irresponsible behavior on your part. Read all the stuff they give you and try to be somehow prepared for your meeting with the councelor. It shows that you are taking charge in your recovery and that you are interested in what is going on.
*Get to the clinic on time, don't run in there in the last 5 minutes before they close. It looks bad. Sure, it can happen once in a while, but don't make a habit out of it. Unless of course you have a legit reason for coming in at the last 5 minutes...in that case let the counselor know ahead of time cuz they look at that kind of stuff.
*Have your balance payed on time. Do not let your balance grow too much. You might have some money that you owe them but don't let it be like weeks of payment. Try to pay off your balance ASAP. The more responsible you are with paying off your balance, the better it looks on your part.
*If they need something from you, do it and return it ASAP. If they want you to see a doctor, make an appointment and return any forms ASAP.
*Pass all your drug tests. They will only give you take homes if you have been making progress in your recovery and if you are dropping dirty that means you have not been making progress.
*come to dose everyday. You can miss a dose or two but the more regular you come to dose the better it looks. If you miss a dose call your counselor and let them know what happened.
I think it is key for anyone to get take homes ASAP so that they don't have to drive to the clinic everyday. Every 3 months my clinic gives you a day and then also by 1 year you only have to come in once a month. But that only will happen if they deem you responsible enough to get take homes. It's up to them. What I wrote is key for you to do to make sure you get take homes. Take it seriously and it will pay back.
I tried to include everything that's important but it;s possible that I missed something. If I remember something I will add it. If someone else wants to add something, please do, I will greatly appreciate any additions or changes to what I wrote. I just want the person going to a clinic to have as much info and advice as possible. It's always good to know this kinda stuff. Most of it is from what the counselor told me and some of it what I heard from people at the clinic and from reading stuff.
Good luck anyways. Methadone has been a very positive influence on my life. It's legal so you don't have to worry about police. It makes me feel safe for some reason. It's like a safety net. When I get my dose in the morning I know I am not going to relapse. I try to take things one day at a time and this way I get a day of peace and comfort so that I can concentrate on other things in my life like relationships, work, school, house...anything really...things that I didn't have time for when I was running around trying to score. It gives me a peace of mind. Sure it comes with a cost, the cost being later w/d. But I am willing to accept that cost for having a normal life. If I wasn't on methadone now I would still be struggling, trying to take any pain med to help with my chronic pain. But now, I just dose once a day, and go on my way and live life. I feel more free now than I did before.