The OAD Clinic
Private Methadone Treatment after NHS Discharge
As a highly specialised clinic, opioid substitute treatment is one of our areas of expertise offering flexible and quick access to well-rounded outpatient treatment. Private methadone treatment at The OAD Clinic helped one patient achieve long-term recovery, cure Hepatitis C and access flexible online appointments when she could not attend in person following sudden discharge by her NHS GP.
Lucy's Story with Private Methadone Treatment
​"I was very upset that my NHS doctor was taking away my methadone script and I decided that the only way to was to go to a private addiction clinic which I did in January 2011.
I have been very happy with my treatment since going to The OAD clinic. I have not been to any other clinics but have been very impressed with my private outpatient addiction treatment here. All staff have treated me with such kindness. They managed to keep me stable on 70mls of methadone daily which is less than what the NHS GP was prescribing. My health has improved since Mark Kendrick arranged for me to have a course of treatment to get rid of my Hepatis C which has now gone and the NHS had not addressed.
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To someone who is struggling, I would say get help as there is a lot of help out there. I recommend The OAD Clinic for online addiction treatment appointments as I am disabled and cannot use stairs anymore so I have my appointments online which is brilliant. Thank you so much!"​
Lucy Banks, Patient
This account is published with the patient's consent; identifying details have been changed.
How The OAD Clinic Manages Private Methadone Treatment and Ongoing Recovery Support
Our clinical team provides specialist outpatient assessment and private methadone prescribing for patients who are looking for private methadone treatment or opioid addiction treatment. Treatment is tailored to each patient's medical history, pain management needs and daily life.
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Our treatment options include:
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Private methadone prescribing - methadone treatment programme provides carefully monitored prescribing, regular medication reviews and prompt dose adjustments to maintain stability, reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
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Ongoing Buprenorphine and Buvidal® Treatment - while buprenorphine stabilises opioid receptor activity, reduces cravings and manages withdrawal, Buvidal is a long-acting buprenorphine injection administered weekly or monthly, removing the need for daily medication and making treatment practical for working professionals and frequent travellers
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Medically Supervised Opioid Detox - for patients who need to detox before starting ongoing treament, safe, personalised outpatient opioid detoxification programmes designed to minimise withdrawal symptoms while supporting patients towards long-term recovery.
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Physical Health Monitoring - we support patients in improving their overall health through regular clinical monitoring and appropriate referrals where required. Where clinically appropriate, this may include facilitating treatment for conditions commonly associated with long-term drug use, such as Hepatitis C, alongside ongoing coordination with other healthcare professionals.
Flexible Online and Face-to-Face Appointments
We understand that not every patient can attend the clinic in person. We offer secure online addiction treatment appointments, making ongoing care accessible for patients with disabilities, mobility difficulties, demanding careers or those living elsewhere in the UK or internationally.
Transitioning from NHS to private care for Methadone treatment:
Frequently Asked Questions answered by Lucy
How to Transition from NHS to private care:
Honestly, transitioning from the NHS to a private rehab was very quick and easy. It's obviously more costly, but the patient experience is completely different and if you want to be seen as soon as possible, a private practice may have availability within the same week. If all goes well, you start treatment straight away. At the start of my journey, I called my local GP however the waiting times at the NHS were incredibly long and getting access to methadone felt almost impossible.​
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What's the difference between NHS and going private:
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Private care is completely different. The OAD Clinic is small and very boutique, and every time I call I get to the same people I'm familiar with. My NHS doctor decided to stop methadone without even considering my point of view, and at the OAD clinic my point of view was considered and they even spotted I had Hepatitis! At the NHS this would have continued going unnoticed until my liver got damaged, and then I would have had to put in effort to get appropriate care. Getting treatment at the NHS is a constant battle, while going private is straight forward and easy, and far more personalised.
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Is private methadone treatment better than NHS treatment?
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The right option depends on individual circumstances really. Some people choose private methadone treatment because it's more flexible, there are shorter waiting times and care will not stopped abruptly without a proper medical reason. You also get more personalised support. People who travel frequently or need flexible appointments will find private treatment very beneficial and convenient.
Is online addiction treatment as effective as face-to-face appointments?
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For me, because I was already on a stable dose and I have reduced mobility, my online addiction treatment was very convenient compared to in-person appointments. Regular virtual reviews, ongoing check-ins over the phone and easy communication with the team was perfect as I dealt with my disability.
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Can I have online appointments for methadone treatment?
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I certainly had. I know that this depends on your situation. In my case, I was stable so it wasn't an issue and my prescriber at The OAD Clinic did not need me to go in person, but he did say that this depends on each patient and he would only approve of online appointments if appropriate from a medical point of view.
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Can Hepatitis C be treated while receiving methadone treatment?
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I certainly was tested for it and treated! The modern antiviral medications cure most Hepatitis C infections for most people and this prevents serious liver problems. I'm very grateful for The OAD Clinic that they spotted this.
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Can addiction clinics help with my general health as well as my addiction?
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Oh definitely. In private practice, or at least at The OAD Clinic, my drug addiction treatment included managing conditions like Hepatitis C, mental health and other medical conditions as well as the substance dependence or drug addiction.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Oscar D'Agnone MD, MRCPsych | Medical Director - Last reviewed: 25 July 2026
