How Come Methadone Is Used for Drug Addiction Treatment When It’s Also an Opiate?

Published July 1, 2010

Question by amy e: How come methadone is used for drug addiction treatment when it’s also an opiate?
This just confuses me. Wouldn’t the patient be then addicted to methadone?

Best answer:

Answer by ayla dch
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.

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