Methadone Uses: Methadone Facts

Question: Why is methadone used to treat opiate addicitons?

(Posted by: Alex B on 2009-04-25 19:57:31)

Isnt methadone also an opiod narcotic painkiller? I dont see how giving methadone to addicts helps them quit?!

Posted by: Artluverboi on 2009-04-25, 20:11:58

It's also a controlled prescription drug. I should think they would prefer to be addicted to methadone than to be shooting heroine every day and running out in traffic. They do it to gradually decrease their dependency, slowly reducing the amount of opiates in the medication (eventually down to tylenol #3), because if not, they could go into shock by suddenly quitting.

Posted by: xoxo on 2009-04-25, 23:31:38

It keeps them from withdrawing. In my opinion it is only good if used for a few days.. Methadone w/ d is MUCH worse than any kind of w/ d because of the extremely long half life... the withdrawal can last up to a month. And it can get the addict high if the tolerance is low enough. Suboxone is a MUCH better choice