How come methadone is used for drug addiction treatment when it's also an opiate?
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Methadone is utilized for the treatment of drug addiction because it has been proven to be effective and safe. If it happens to be prescribed properly, it is neither sedating nor intoxicating. Its effects do not hinder normal activities. It prevents symptoms of withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours. When it's taken, it also relieves the individual's craving for the drug. If combined with therapy and counseling, methadone has the power to bring people back to their sober, productive lives.
Yes They become very addicted to methadone. It is not treatment, It is drug maintenance, Harm reduction. The lesser of two evils, with heroin being the drug most treated with 'done. Methadone treatment is legal and closely monitored,It doesn't produce the 'highs' other opiates do and is very effective in blocking the other strong opiates from the brains receptors, and reduces craving for heroin. There are very strict rules with methadone clinics. But removing the criminal aspect of the addiction helps eliminated the risk taking behaviour of the addict. Committing crimes for money for your fix, HIV and aids transmission etc. Most methadone patients are able and willing to work, get involved in treatment and 12 step program and slowly but eventually come to lead a sober drug free live. It is a very useful tool in dealing with a very difficult and growing problem. But yes it is a very strong opiate itself. It was actually invent during WWII under the Hitler regime. Damn Nazi's
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