Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug that is used clinically as a strong pain-reliever and to relieve the withdrawal symptoms felt by people recovering from abuse of other opioid drugs. Opioid drugs are natural or synthetic compounds derived from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the drugs are made from the fluid content of the plant's unripe seed capsule. (See Reference 1) The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, states that opioid addiction develops from long-term use and physical dependence. (See Reference 2)
Heroin and Morphine
NIDA explains that heroin is an illegal opioid drug that is injected, snorted or smoked. Morphine is an opioid that is used clinically to treat severe pain after surgical procedures. Methadone is an effective treatment for heroin and morphine addiction because it helps to eliminate the cravings experienced by addicts during withdrawal. Additionally, methadone can often be taken just once daily because its effects are long-lasting. Because heroin and morphine are often taken by injection, methadone treatment may reduce the risk of HIV transmission. (See Reference 3)
Prescription Pain Relievers
Opioid drugs are sometimes prescribed to treat pain that is unresponsive to other types of analgesics, explains "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology." Some of these drugs include oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl and hydromorphone. When these drugs are abused, they produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Physical dependence develops when withdrawal symptoms are observed upon cessation of drug consumption. These symptoms include excessive tearing of the eyes, excessive yawning, diarrhea and chills. Methadone helps to relieve these physical discomforts without providing the positive reinforcement provided by the abused drug. (See Reference 4)
Methadone Maintenance Treatment
The Drug Policy Alliance explains that methadone maintenance treatment, or MMT, aims to reduce and eliminate the crime, death and other negative consequences associated with opioid drug abuse. The longer patients remain in MMT programs, the less likely they are to relapse into illegal drug use. Methadone reduces the spread of HIV by helping injectable opioid drug users to remain on a controlled dose of a long-acting drug that is effective at reducing bothersome physical withdrawal symptoms without impairing motor skills or mental functioning. (See Reference 5)
References
- The Encyclopedia Britannica: Opium Poppy
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription Drugs Abuse and Addiction
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse: Heroin Abuse and Addiction
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
- The Drug Policy Alliance: Methadone Maintenance Treatment
