Methadone

Methadone is a safe and effective medication that has been used for more than 30 years as a treatment for people addicted to opiate drugs – particularly heroin. Combined with behavioral therapies or counseling and other supportive services, methadone helps patients stop using opiate drugs and return to a normal, productive life. When prescribed properly, methadone is not intoxicating or sedating, and its effects do not interfere with ordinary activities.

Methadone's effects last four to six times as long as those of heroin, so people in treatment need to take it only once a day. Also, methadone is medically safe even when used continuously for 10 years or more.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

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