Is Methadone Bad?

The drug heroin enjoys a long history in the world of addiction. Heroin was surprisingly developed as a treatment for morphine addiction in 1898. Since then, it has shown horrendous effects on its addicts. Methadone is a legal drug, and the theory was that because it is legal, then it is okay to use as a treatment for an illegal drug addiction. This is the same mindset that leads people to become addicted and even die from the use and abuse of painkillers, alcohol, and tobacco.

When heroin became illegal in 1914, its price on the street rose through the roof. Those who were addicted often had to steal, lie, and hurt others in order to get their drugs. This has only increased over time and the effects on society are rampant. While Heroin started off as a drug for the lower classes, heroin addicts now come from all walks of life.

In order to combat heroin addiction, methadone was introduced. Methadone was developed in the 1930's, but only began to be used as a substitute for heroin addiction in 1964. It is a narcotic as well, although it is synthetic. It is also actually stronger than heroin. It works by cutting withdrawal symptoms and making the heroin highly ineffective. Lesser amounts are needed in comparison to the amount of heroin needed to get high. It also can remain at a stable usage level and still work. However, Methadone also changes the chemistry of the brain. This means that Methadone users will need it for life, not only to stay off of heroin, but to maintain normal brain chemistry functions.

Users that must rely on public drug rehab treatment programs in Ontario will use Methadone to lower their heroin use. Sadly, they often return right back to heroin once they leave the program. This is mainly due to the withdrawal effects of methadone. Side effects include sore joints, nausea, nodding and falling asleep at random, weight gain, constipation, and low sexual desire. If a person is ordered into treatment by a judge, they often have to take Methadone on a daily basis. They also need to see a counselor, parole officer, and welfare worker on at regular intervals. If they do not comply in using methadone regularly, they will lose access to methadone completely and all other counseling related to addiction.

It appears that not only Methadone causes unpleasant side effects that may have long term consequences, but it also makes what should be a solution into yet another problem. There have been some new drugs developed as alternatives lately, but they are still very expensive and no long term studies are available. It is very apparent that there needs to be many more programs and helping mechanisms put into place for the heroin addict who is attempting to recover. Methadone treatment program are good as long as the person is gradually being taken off methadone and begins a free drug life with proper education and life skills.

^{Reference: http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC05folder/Methadone.html}