Methadone Poisoning

Methadone is a synthetic opiate used in the treatment of heroin addiction. This is described as 'maintenance', because it is possible to to take a constant dose of methadone without experiencing withdrawal - rather than having to constantly increase the dose to get the same effect, as you would with heroin.

While methadone has similar effects to heroin, they are longer-lasting and it does not give users the same initial 'high', so it is considered better for treatment purposes. However it is also very addictive and has some negative side effects like constipation and sleep disturbance.

It is also, like heroin, very dangerous and overdose can be fatal. Taking an unusually large amount, or even taking the same amount as normal after a period of abstinence, can result in overdose and potentially death. It is important to be careful about the amount taken.

It is also very important to keep methadone (and all medicines) out of the reach of children. There have been cases where children of people in drug treatment have consumed some of their methadone and died as a result. If you are in treatment at Bolton Drug Service for which you are prescribed methadone, and you have young children, you will be given a locakable safe in which to keep your medication so your children are not in danger of drinking it.