Methadone
What is methadone?
- Methadone is a long acting synthetic opioid narcotic medication. It’s an effective and legal substitute from heroin, morphine, or other narcotics.
- It does not produce a high. Clients feel mildly sedate, but will not feel same level of euphoria as with heroin.
- The average dose is 60mg, but doses can range from 2mg to 250mg.
- When used as prescribed, it is a safe and effective medication.
Why use Methadone?
- As a medical treatment Methadone stabilizes the patient and prevents withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- As a harm reduction measure, it eliminates the need to inject opiates, thus reducing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases.
- Once a person is stabilized mentally, physically, and socially, they are encouraged to deal with the emotional or life issues that precipitated or unconsciously maintain their opiate addiction.
Problems with Methadone
- It is harder to "kick" than heroin.
- Long term use can affect the clients bones by reducing calcium levels.
- Methadone can interfere with the ability to drive.
- Methadone is addictive.
- Overdose can cause death due to respiratory failure.
Recognizing that you are an addict is not a personality flaw or character defect.
