Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever for medium to severe pain. It is also used in the treatment of heroin (opiate dependence: Vicodin, Percocet, Morphine, etc.) addiction. Oral Methadone is very different than IV Methadone. Oral Methadone is partially stored in the liver for late use. IV Methadone acts more like heroin. In most states you must go to a pain clinic or a Methadone maintenance clinic to be prescribed Methadone.

Methadone is a long acting pain reliever producing effects that last from twelve to forth-eight hours. Ideally, Methadone frees the client from the pressures of obtaining illegal heroin, from the dangers of injection and from the emotional roller coaster that most opiates produce. Methadone, if taken for long periods and at large doses, can lead to a very long withdrawal period. The withdrawals from Methadone are more prolonged and troublesome than those provoked by heroin cessation, yet the substitution and phased removal of methadone is an acceptable method of detoxification for patients and therapists.

For more information on Methadone, see Methadone Drug Information.