| Description | : | 🔹 What is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain and as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. It helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people recovering from opioid dependence, particularly heroin and prescription painkillers. Unlike short-acting opioids, methadone provides long-lasting effects, reducing the need for frequent dosing.
🔹 Common Uses of Methadone
✔️ Chronic Pain Management – Used for persistent, severe pain when other treatments are ineffective.
✔️ Opioid Addiction Treatment – Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people recovering from opioid dependence.
✔️ Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Often part of a supervised program for addiction recovery.
🔹 How Does Methadone Work?
Methadone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and reducing cravings without producing the same "high" as other opioids. This helps people with opioid use disorder (OUD) gradually transition off more harmful opioids while preventing withdrawal symptoms. |