Health Information
Methadone for Drug Abuse
How Well It Works
As a treatment for opiate addiction, methadone reduces the cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by opiate use by blocking the "high" and preventing the intense euphoric rush of these drugs. This effect allows people to avoid the physical and psychological highs and lows caused by changing levels of opiates in the blood, decreasing the chance of relapse. In some cases of opiate addiction, methadone treatment may be needed for several years or longer.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 20, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction |
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