Methadone
aka: meth, linctus, morphine, opium, palfium
What is it?
Methadone was developed in Germany in the 1940s. It is a man-made
opiate and is used to suppress the withdrawal symptoms from heroin.
How is it used?
Methadone is prescribed in a syrup form and is swallowed. It is
used as either a maintenance programme or a reduction programme
when prescribed by a doctor to safely begin the detox process. Methadone
takes a while to build up in your system. This makes some people
feel it’s not working in dealing with their addiction, it is
however a very powerful drug and will build up if the prescription
is followed properly.
What are the effects?
- The effects start quickly and can last between 24 – 72
hours depending on the amount that is taken.
- It can give you a sense of well-being and absence of stress.
- It can make you sweat and have itchy skin.
- It can stop physical and psychological pain.
- The psychological desire to take methadone is usually much
less intense than the desire to take heroin
What are the risks?
- Methadone is addictive, but is used to stop the symptoms of
physical withdrawal. An appropriate level is given and then it
is reduced slowly so withdrawal does not occur.
- High doses can make you feel sleepy and with too much can fall
into a coma.
- Withdrawal from methadone can make you feel restless and anxious,
cause insomnia and muscle pain.
The Law
Methadone is a Class A drug.
It is illegal to possess it, unless it is prescribed for you.
The Law
Staying Safe
- Do not use with any other opiate based drugs as this can cause
overdose.
- Only use what is prescribed. If you should feel any withdrawal
then speak with the doctor who prescribed.
- Do not inject Methadone, it is deliberately not designed for
it.
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