Methadone (meth)
What is it?
Methadone is a synthetic, long-lasting opiate which is prescribed as a painkiller or as a heroin substitute for those with a heroin addiction. It alleviates withdrawal symptoms and enables people to stop using heroin.
Methadone is usually manufactured as a dark green liquid which is taken orally. It is a depressant drug – it slows down the heart and respiration. It is also a strong painkiller and reduces physical and psychological pain.
Short-term effects
The effects depend on how much is consumed. Individual factors such as body weight, gender, the strength of the drug, mood, physical and mental health, how you take it, where you take it and whether or not it is mixed with other drugs including alcohol also have an impact.
As with any drug, users should test the strength of it by using a small amount first – particularly when using street methadone.
Methadone is a depressant drug – it slows down the heart and breathing. It can reduce physical and psychological pain. It decreases the need to use other opiates such as heroin and can give a sense of well-being, relieving anxiety and making the user feel slightly detached from reality.
Users can also experience feelings of nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, constipation, dry mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth), headaches and drowsiness.
Long-term effects
Methadone is a very addictive drug. Once addicted, users experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug leaves their system. These can include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweating, aching, chills, low mood and a general feeling of being unwell. However, if it is medically prescribed the dose will be reduced gradually so that any withdrawal symptoms are minimal.
Pregnant women who have a heroin addiction will be placed on a methadone prescription and monitored closely to protect the health of both the patient and the unborn child. This is particularly important to ease any possible withdrawal symptoms for the baby when it is born. It is important to remember that methadone will also be present in breast milk.
Harm reduction
It is important that you take methadone in the amount that you are prescribed so that your risk of relapse and overdose are reduced.
Users should avoid using other depressant drugs such as alcohol, valium and heroin while taking methadone, as this greatly increases the overdose risk.
The law
Methadone is a Class A substance. It is illegal to possess (without a prescription), buy or sell it. Possession (without a prescription) could result in a prison sentence of up to 7 years and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying someone else with methadone could result in a sentence of life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal. This can lead to a heavy fine, disqualification from driving and even a prison sentence in some cases.
If you are convicted of a drug-related offence it can stop you travelling to certain countries and affect the types of jobs you can apply for.
If you are using methadone (or any other substances), are worried about someone else’s use or would just like to know more, please contact us for more information.
