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Methadone is an effective opioid replacement. Whereas heroin is often injected, methadone
is ingested orally, eliminating the need for needles. Heroin lasts 4-6 hours per dose, creating
fluctuating blood levels, where the user is often "on the nod" or suffering withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone lasts 24-36 hours per dose, creating stable blood level, and with the proper dose, a
patient needs only to take their "juice" once daily. Once this is accomplished, the addict can
engage in the activities that anybody else does, including working, job-hunting, or childcare.
An addict receiving the proper dose of methadone does not get "high" nor suffer from withdrawal
symptoms, mood-altering drugs. If he or she uses heroin in addition to methadone, the methadone
blacks the euphoric effect from heroin.
Finally, methadone is a legal, regulated drug, prescribed under a Doctor's supervision. As a
result, the risks of insufficient dosage to prevent withdrawal or overdosing from too much
are eliminated.
Methadone has few side effects, when taken in the correct dosage. The most commonly reported
side effects are constipation and excessive sweating. Less common side effects are temporary
skin rashes, weight gain and water retention. Other side effects alleged by addicts are often
confused with other lifestyle factors.
Symptoms of methadone withdrawal is the same as heroin withdrawal, but considerably less
intense. Symptoms include increased blood pressure, diarrhea, "gooseflesh", insomnia, twitching,
pain, depression and anxiety. Typically, acute withdrawal from methadone lasts from 4-6 weeks.
Withdrawal from opiates of any kind is almost never life threatening, even when attempted
"cold turkey" from a high dose, though it is still terribly unpleasant. Alcohol and tranquilizer
withdrawal are far more dangerous.
The advantage of medically supervised methadone reduction is that it can be done slowly
over a long period of time with minimal discomfort.
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