Methadone has no euphoria when taken but the drug hangs on to the receptors longer and thus lessens early quick withdrawl. But upon sudden abstinence (not tapered) its withdrawl shows up later but is longer and harder. Respiratory depression (death) is there because addicts are trying to high when it just isn't there...hence overdose from a strong respiratory depressant. Narcan has a shorter half-life than methadone.


If it had no Euphoric effect...there would not be such an underground market for it.
I've actually seen how it effects people...and yes, they do get high.
I could see the differance in my friend when he came out, dosed, opposed to going in, almost sober.

I don't know about the effects on the brain...I'm no Neurologist...just an observer of the drug/system that is in place these days.


Again- it's an issue of tolerance.

If you've never taken Methadone before I'm sure it knocks you on your ass. It is a very powerful narcotic.

But what makes it special (and therefore suited towards addiction-treatment) is that very soon (I'm not sure how long, I believe it's different for everyone- but from what my friends told me and what I've read it's within a week...?) you get a tolerance to it.

Most drugs are like this. Many drugs have to be taken for a certain amount of time before the benefits take effect.

SO, soon after the therapy starts, the patient becomes tolerant and therefore doesn't get high. And at the same time they're no longer DOPE-SICK (which is the main destructive force anyway).

It creates STABILITY.

It seems like, though, some patients still want to get high, and in their cases Methadone won't work. They're not ready.

But from what I've seen, people who hit ROCK BOTTOM and are tired and just want some stability can find it in Methadone, IF they use it correctly. And I've seen it done.