Methadone Maintenance: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: Do you think methadone maintenance is appropriate for opiate dependence?

(Posted by: Dr.Robert H-M.D on 2010-04-18 17:00:51)

Currently many State's Offer this Treatment, The purpose of this Treatment is To Wean addict's off of heroin or other opiate's. But many people are on the treatment for 5+. - Methadone occupies opiate receptor's and is the stabilizing factor that permits addicts on methadone to change their behavior and to discontinue heroin use...So I guess this is A legal High? I myself are a Physician and have taken methadone before, and it does produce strong euphoria. "state defined as a sense of great (usually exaggerated) elation and wellbeing "

Posted by: Angie on 2010-04-18, 17:58:07

I personally do NOT think methadone should be used for opiate dependency. Methadone is a very strong semi synthetic opiate, it's self highly addictive and very dangerous. I am much more impressed with suboxone for opiate dependency for many reasons. It is also a strong semi synthetic opiate, but it is combined with naloxone making inter venous use impossible without negative effects. Suboxone treatment is not strictly regulated by the federal government meaning patients do not need to make daily clinic visits for supervised dosing. It can take up to 5 years of perfect compliance ( clean drug tests ect.) to be allowed take home supplies of methadone. Methadone is highly diverted as many people who cannot afford to or choose not to go through therapy buy it to self detox. Suboxone is not diverted like that. You go into the doctor like any other appointment and you can receive up to a month's worth of suboxone shortly after beginning the program. The discretion of having an office based treatment iis also nice.