Methadone is an opioid analgesic that is used to treat severe pain and prevent withdrawal symptoms in opioid addicts. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin and preventing cravings. While methadone is itself addictive, it blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids when taken as prescribed, allowing addicts to break the cycle of addiction and seek further treatment without withdrawal symptoms. There is an ongoing debate around replacing one addiction for another with methadone maintenance treatment, but proponents argue it provides a medically-supervised and safer alternative while the person seeks additional help for their underlying addiction.

1. Methadone
By: Jared Dalpe

2. Brand Names
Diskets
Dolophine
Methadose
Westadone

3. What is it?
 Methadone is a prescription drug used to relieve severe pain
 It can also be used to prevent withdrawal symptoms of opiate drugs
Such as:
 Heroin
 Hydrocodone
 Morphine
 Vicodin
 Methadone is a Opioid analgesics
 It too is an addictive opioid
 The same class of drugs it suppresses
withdrawal symptoms from

4. What are Opiates?
 Opiates are a group of drugs that are used for treating pain
 Methadone is derived from opium which comes from the poppy plant
 Variety of names including
Opiates
Opioids
Narcotics
Myth: A poppy seed muffin will
not cause a failed drug test result

5. How it works
 Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by opiate
 Methadone blocks the receptor, preventing the activation
 By blocking the receptor it eliminates the intense euphoric rush of
these drugs
 Which aids in breaking the cycle of addiction

6. Why it all works
 The answer is biochemistry
 Receptors in our body are very specific to what is able to bind to them
 Methadone is able to fill the receptor because of its similarities to a opioid
 Similarities: Tertiary amine and Aromatic ring

7. Effects of methadone on the body
 Drowsiness
 Slower, shallower breathing
 Reduced cough reflex
 Reduced pain
 Dry eyes, nose, and mouth
 Decreased blood pressure
 Long-term constipation
 Small pinpoint pupils
 Sweating, itching
 Bone pain
 Teeth damage
Short-term Long-term

8. Quote
“Methadone is neither
good nor evil; it is simply
a proven, effective
medication for the
treatment of opiate
addiction.”
-CRC Heath
Organization

9. Striking Perspectives
 Methadone is an opioid as well
 The leading fight against the treatment with methadone is the
idea that taking methadone is “trading one addiction for
another”
I feel this is false because the trade is a dangerous opiate
for a medically supervised and safe drug
 It is important to realize that addiction has a hold on a addict,
they always are trying to find their next high
 Methadone allows the addict to not have cravings
allowing them the time needed to seek help

10. Relevance
 Even here in Worcester, Methadone is prescribed to combat the current Opioid
crisis
Spectrum Health
Systems Inc
Worcester, MA
105 Merrick Street

11. Discussion Question
 Methadone is effective weapon in the opioid crisis, by breaking the hold
addiction has over the patient, the patient can seek treatment for
addiction. If methadone is effective in the treatment of opioid addiction,
why do you feel it is not the first step in recovery?

12. References
 "The Brain: Understanding Neurobiology." The Brain—Lesson 5—Drug Addiction Is a
Disease—So What Do We Do about It? (Page 1 of 2). Web. 29 Mar. 2016.
 "How Well Does Methadone Maintenance Treatment Work?" CRC Health Group.
Web. 29 Mar. 2016.
 "Methadone (Dolophine)." - Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.
 "Addictions And Recovery Website: Opiates." Addictions And Recovery. Web. 29
Mar. 2016.
 "Methadone for Drug Abuse." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.