Methadone is a prescription drug in a class of drugs called opioids. For more than 40 years, it has been used effectively to treat opioid dependence. Opioids are depressant drugs that slow down the flow of information between the brain and the body. In the course of pharmacotherapy, doctors that prescribe methadone recommend it as an alternative to heroin and other opioids. Individuals who are dependent on heroin and other opioids can stabilize their lives and lessen the negative effects of drug use by switching to a medication that has been prescribed.
Determining the ideal dose for each patient and avoiding cravings are the two main goals of methadone treatment. Once they stop using illegal opioids, this helps people regain their quality of life. It does not aim to give them a “high.” Different states have slightly different approaches to methadone treatment. Medical professionals handle the prescription, administration, and ongoing use. When a person decides to stop using illegal opioids, they collaborate with their healthcare professional to establish the best methadone dosage. This time frame, known as the “stabilization period,” is approximately two weeks long. Clients are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery during this period while their bodies are adjusting to the medication.
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