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Methadone
Easing the Transition Or
Creating a New Addiction?

Methadone is the most common medication used to help addicts kick the heroin habit.

Since methadone was introduced in the late 1960s, it has been praised as a humane answer for addicts hooked on opiate drugs and as a remedy for the social problems of heroin addiction.

It has also been questioned as a reasonable treatment for addiction.

Methadone works by producing a milder and longer lasting high than heroin. It blocks the brain's opiate receptors so that other opiates will have no effect taken while on methadone.

Methadone is usually prescribed as a liquid although tablets and injectable ampules are also available. Since methadone only needs to be taken once a day and produces a much milder effect than heroin, addicts on methadone can return to a more productive lifestyle.

Work and family responsibilities can be maintained while using methadone. This creates a way for the substance abuser to regain the respect of the community and provides support to work towards a healthy, drug free life.

Is Methadone Treatment Trading Addictions?
The simple answer is yes. However, the addiction to methadone is less harmful to the addict, the family and society.

Methadone is freely available in clinics throughout most of the developed world. It is taken under a doctor's supervision at prescribed doses. The quality of the drug is controlled avoiding overdosing or taking lethal substances mixed with the drugs. Heart infections associated with heroin use, AIDS and Hepatitis C are all less common in heroin users who are on a regulated methadone maintenance treatment.

Other Options
Buprenorphine has been introduced as an alternative to methadone for heroin withdrawal. Methadone can take months to stop while a recovering addict can stop buprenorphine in a few days. Another benefit is that it can be prescribed by any doctor instead of requiring registration at a clinic. Heroin users may not want to identify themselves as addicts. Visiting a family doctor for treatment retains patient anonymity.

Methadone clinics are not always easily accessible. In the USA, 14 states do not have any clinics. In many places clinics require travel that may not be reasonable on a daily basis. A local physician can prescribe buprenorphine making it easier for a heroin user to kick the habit.

Methadone may not be the final answer to the problem of heroin addiction, but it is a widely available and accepted substitute. It allows addicts to turn their lives around and begin the process of recovering from their drug addiction.

Related Web Resources

Methadone Today

FAQ About Methadone

also see in Health -> Addiction Help

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