Methadone mimics many of the effects of opiates, such as heroin. It is one of a number of synthetic opiates, also called opioids, that are manufactured for medical use and have similar effects to heroin. These include dihydrocodeinone (DF118s), pethidine, often used in childbirth, diconal, palfium and temgesic.
Methadone and subutex, buprenorphine, are used as substitutes for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction. However, there are many differences between methadone and heroin. For example, heroin produces an almost immediate “rush” or brief period of euphoria, which wears off relatively quickly, resulting in a strong craving to use more heroin. In contrast, methadone has a more gradual onset of action when administered orally. Its effects can last up to 24 hours, which allows the patient to take methadone only once a day without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Research has demonstrated that, when methadone is given in regular doses by a physician, it has the ability to block the euphoria caused by heroin, if the individual does try to take heroin. Despite methadone’s role in the treatment of heroin addiction, it has addictive properties and also a high potential for abuse on the street. Methadone entered the illicit drug market primarily as a result of patients selling their prescriptions.
Methadone doesn’t deliver the same degree of buzz or high like heroin. It allows people to tackle their psychological addiction and stabilize their lifestyle when used as a substitute for heroin, and, in treatment, it stops withdrawal symptoms. The dose can then be reduced slowly until that user is off the drug completely. When used to come off of heroin there are still problems with withdrawal, but they are much less severe than the ‘cold turkey’ that occurs when stopping heroin.
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