Benifits+of+Methadone




 * Positive Aspects of Methadone[[image:methh.jpg width="329" height="202" align="right"]] **

The debate on the benefits of methadone is contested by many people, but the basic fact is that we need to help people with their addictions and if this is the best solution to this problem then we must support it until something better comes along.

Methadone maintenance treatment provides basic counselling for individuals.

Drug use has a strong connection to all areas of criminal activity. Reducing the need to acquire illegal drugs will reduce the criminal activity involved. Violence, theft and crimes of sexual nature will decrease because the need to finance the individuals desire to get drugs will no longer be a priority.

Drug use of all nature increases the risk of STIs. By methadone being legal there is essentially no need to pursue unhealthy ways of getting high. Methadone is a drink liquid so it promotes healthier lifestyles. Methadone is not a social drug like coke, crack pills, or needle use so it reduces the social interaction of drug use.

Clients on methadone can continue to function in their daily lives with virtually no one knowing that you are on methadone. It stabilizes the individual so that they can go to work, school and function on other daily routines and people will have no idea that you are on methadone.

Methadone has no effect on nicotine, alcohol or cocaine. Methadone is a pure synthetic opiate. This means that when given to patients it is not chemically altered. Other opiads can and in most cases have been “chopped” or altered to make them more potent. This is important because as other opiates may have varying potency methadone has a consistent make up so patients know what they are getting and what the effects will be.

One of the greatest benefits of methadone is that it is legal. It is dispensed by pharmacies. People go to clinics that are regulated by the government and either pay less than $10/day or get it for free to get their “drink”. When one checks into the clinic, they are always in contact with a health official who can manage the persons health and needs on a daily bases. By being an inexpensive drug, methadone reduces the daily cost to get high.