We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Methadone Abuse?

By R. Kayne
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,826
Share

Methadone abuse refers to the illegal consumption of a very powerful synthetic narcotic. Methadone is used legally in the United States and elsewhere to treat heroin addiction and to relieve pain caused by cancer and other serious ailments. Under the United States’ Controlled Substances Act, methadone is listed as a Schedule II drug along with cocaine and methamphetamine, substances that have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

During World War II, the Nazis had German scientists develop a synthetic opiate in order to stave off withdrawal symptoms of various opiate drugs, should a shortage of raw opium become a problem. The result was trade-named Dolophine, years later given the generic name methadone by the American Medical Association.

Methodone has some interesting properties that make it a good candidate for helping people to kick heroin addiction. Heroin causes a temporary euphoria, followed by a period of clear-thinking, giving way to symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can include craving, irritability, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting and muscle tremors. Withdrawal is so uncomfortable the heroin addict will seek out another fix to stave off symptoms, starting a new cycle.

Prescribed in the right dosage, methadone lacks the euphoric high of heroin, is slower to take effect, but eradicates the withdrawal symptoms of heroin, allowing a person to kick the habit. Best of all it is cheap and lasts 24-72 hours, rather than the four to eight hours of a heroin cycle. Due to its chemical makeup, it does not disrupt neurological functioning in the way heroin does, making it possible for someone to lead a productive life even while taking methadone regularly, in place of heroin.

The drawback is that methadone is as addictive as heroin, and withdrawal from methadone is worse than heroin withdrawal. While heroin withdrawal might take up to 10 days, methadone withdrawal can take 30 days or more. Often people choose to continue taking methadone to avoid dealing with a withdrawal scenario. In a clinical setting, methadone abuse is treated by gradually lowering the patient’s dosage over a prolonged period of time while keeping the patient under close supervision.

Increased availability and affordability have caused methadone to gain ground on the black market, perhaps more so since the crack-down on OxyContin. People might be opting to get methadone when heroin or OxyContin are unavailable.

Whatever the reasons, growing methadone abuse has resulted in escalating deaths annually. The nature of the drug might be part of the problem. The delayed effects can cause a party-goer to think nothing is happening. When euphoria doesn’t come, he or she takes more, and more again, assuming the drug isn't working. Hours later when the overdose becomes apparent, no one is around to witness the abuser’s distress and death can quickly follow.

Like other opiates, methadone abuse is marked by increased tolerance to the drug with use. Someone new to methadone might watch a friend with a methadone habit consume an enormous amount, assuming wrongly that the dose is safe for anyone. Methadone can be hard to dose correctly, even for trained health care professionals.

Recovery from methadone abuse might require entry into a treatment program or residential rehabilitation clinic. There are several treatment facilities located worldwide, many available online by using a search engine. Some centers have a 1-800 hotline you can call for immediate assistance. Medical emergencies should always be directed to local emergency services.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon331494 — On Apr 23, 2013

My boyfriend also abuses methadone and I'm afraid that our 8 year old daughter will find him dead like I found my father dead two years ago. He is completely in denial and I'm not sure what to do.

By anon166217 — On Apr 07, 2011

My husband started methadone on a Friday due to extensive back problems. he was found dead by our 12 year old daughter 30 hours later. This is a deadly drug and it will eventually take your life.

By anon145735 — On Jan 24, 2011

My ex boyfriend abused methadone (and still does). He gets it off the street and combines it with several other drugs. It made him nod off and not know what was going on. He's in complete denial and losing everything in his life because of this selfish addiction.

By anon141061 — On Jan 09, 2011

my boyfriend also abuses the methadone he is give for an inoperable back condition. It makes him agitated and irritable and he snaps at the drop of a hat. i just moved out. He claims he wants to be weaned off and yet every month he comes back with another prescription.

I'm lost. I just don't know what to do.

By anon111984 — On Sep 18, 2010

I think it is crazy that these clinics give an enormous about of methadone to people that are recovering drug users. My boyfriend abuses his take homes and then finds himself buying it off of the street. I am scared he is going to kill himself! I just don't agree. They should have to go every day to get their dose.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-methadone-abuse.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.