Methadone Use: Methadone Facts

Question: Why is methadone used in treating addiction?

(Posted by: McLovin on 2008-11-21 13:59:54)

Why is methadone used to help people who are addicted to drugs such as heroin when methadone itself has similar effects and is addictive? What does that solve? Just curious. Thanks

Posted by: rickyoutfield on 2008-11-21, 14:15:29

I think because medical people don't have any other choice but drugs. That is all they are taught.

Posted by: Heather on 2008-11-21, 14:02:48

Methadone is the lesser of two evils... * Reduced or stopped use of injection drugs * Reduced risk of overdose and of acquiring or transmitting diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, bacterial infections, endocarditis, soft tissue infections, thrombophlebitis, tuberculosis, and STDs * Reduced mortality - the median death rate of opiate-dependent individuals in MMT is 30 percent of the rate of those not in MMT * Possible reduction in sexual risk behaviors, although evidence on this point is conflicting Reduced criminal activity * Improved family stability * Improved employment potential * Improved pregnancy outcomes

Posted by: Emily W on 2008-11-21, 14:03:49

Methodone is used to treat heroin addiction as it contains just a small dose, enough to make you feel ok but little enough so that you can slowly start to come off it

Posted by: Mortimer Obituary on 2008-11-21, 14:07:58

Well people on methadone dont need to dose up as much since it lasts way longer than heroin, so they are able to lead more normal lives. also, since heroin is illegal and methadone isnt if you are prescribed to it, if they can get high off methadone they wont risk getting arrested for using heroin. perosnally, i think all drugs should be fully legal.