Methadone
What is Methadone?
Methadone is one of a group of synthetic opiates also called (opioids) that are manufactured for medical use and have similar effects to heroin.
- Methadone and (Subutex Buprenorphine) are used as opiate substitutes for the treatment of heroin addiction. withdrawal symptoms from these synthetic opiates are usually less severe than those from heroin. Street names include: meth, linctus, physeptone junk, Burdock, jungle juice and Mixture.
- Usually a colourless or green liquid which is swallowed
- Tablets or injectable form, Subutex (Buprenorphine)
The law
- Class A drug
- Penalties for possession: maximum 7 years in prison and/or fine.
- Penalties for possession with intent to supply: maximum life in prison and/or fine.
History
- Originally synthesised by German pharmaceutical companies during the Second World War
- Used legally for pain relief in the United States since 1947
Effects
- Methadone induces less euphoria than heroin does and blocks opioid receptors in the brain
- Slower acting than heroin
- Sedative drug that depress the nervous system.
- Suppresses the sensation of, and the emotional response to, pain, inducing euphoria, drowsiness, lethargy and relaxation
- Can help to relieve feelings of anxiety.
- Constricted pupils, sweating, itchy skin, suppressed cough reflex,
- Effects last several hours
Purity
- Illegally sold street methadone strength varies widely and may contain other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose
- Prescribed methadone: consistent strength and pure
Risks
- Use without medical supervision risk of death from overdose (methadone may take about four days to take full effect, the risk of overdose during this period is high)
- While under supervised methedone treatment, heroin addicts are at a lower risk of death
- Possibility of sickness and constipation for first time users
Dependence and treatment
- Users experience physical dependency (prescribed or not)
- Users build up tolerance very slowly