Why do doctors prescribe methadone for heroin addiction?

Question

The withdrawals from methadone addiction take 3 times longer than for heroin (3 weeks against 5 days), and are more painful. I suspect that methadone is preferred simply because it does not give such an intense high as heroin. The medical profession seem to think that getting their patients hooked on a much worse drug is acceptable just as long as no one actually gets high.

Perhaps their interests are more puritanical than medical.

The responses so far seem to miss the point - I am commenting on the hypocrisy of prescribing something more dangerous (methadone) to 'treat' a something less dangerous (heroin), for reasons of moral convenience (no high to get guilty about, and easier maintenance). Isn't this simply unethical? One of the basic tenets of the hyppocratic oath is: "above all, do no harm". This gets conveniently forgotten about when dealing with what society deems "self inflicted" problems such as addiction.

Answer 1

Yes I agree but think they prescribe it because they can monitor the patients intake (not that it works though)

Answer 2

In response to your aditional information, are you making a comment or asking a question? I will attempt to answer the question. First off, it is important to note that I am biased as I think that methadone is a very bad idea as a maintanence drug. That being said, I will try and be even handed in answering the question.

I think that there are two main reasons that methadone is prescibed. The first is the "harm reduction method" of treatment. The doctors see the statistics and realize that an opiate addict will probobly remain an opiate addict for the rest of thier life. The hope is that in switching people to a drug that can be contolled with a known dosage and a low cost will reduce much of the harm that will be done to themselves or do society. IE, no AIDS from sharing needles, no resorting to robbery or prostitution to earn money for heroin, no overdoses from injecting something that has an unknown strength or makeup.

2. There is lots of money in it - there is never a shortage of people wanting to get on a clinic, and clinics tend to tell people that they are "not ready" when they request getting a lowar dosage in order to keep thier paying patients. There may be some clinic doctors that are noble, but most are just drug dealers

Answer 3

Methadone has small traces of synthetic heroin in it.It helps people withdrawal from drugs like heroin,oxycontin,morphine,etc.

Being on Methadone in the past kept me sober for almost 2 yrs.I no longer abuse prescription pills.Methadone has a lot of side effects,and can be dangerous.It should only be used as a last resort.

Answer 4

It is controversial treatment, and you need to discuss what is best with your doctor. One of the biggest problems with heroin is the street stuff often contains harmful additives, at least the methadone is clinically produced and safer. The whole idea is to use methadone to slowly reduce your addictions and kick the habit. Its better for you, but not necessarily a cure.

Answer 5

Methadone is a substance that is abused by society because of the government's hand in medicine. it sis also abused by "quacks" who have forgotten the essence of prescribing medicine. Lately methadone has been prescribed by MD's for pain management. In fact this drug is not alleviating pain but causing an addiction while one deals with debilitating pain.

Answer 6

Another government screw-up--which I've 'witched' about many times over the years. It started at around the same time as they released many people from the state mental hospitals--because they trusted them to go to the community out-patient mental health clinics (another failed effort).

Some people have been on methadone for 30 years--when they could have been detoxed off of heroin in a matter of days--then gone into rehab for reinforcement.

These people do get high off it--also, they sell it--or trade it for crack (when they get their weekend supply is usually when that happens). I had a neighbor who was always messed up on methadone--which he bought from someone who was supposed to be taking it--but had changed his drug-of-choice.

This kind of thing has been going on for years--and nobody seems to give a crap--I don't understand it--then, they don't want to give people Valium or Xanax - they don't want to make medi-pot legal--but they keep dishing out that methadone...

Kind of makes one think--and get sick over the incredibly dumb decision-makers in this country.

Answer 7

methodone does not produce the same psychological high that heroin does. As a result, people on methodone are more functional.and contrary to what another person has posted, (i am IN the addictions field) one CANNOT DIE from heroin withdrawal.. one CAN die from alcohol withdrawal and barbiturate withdrawal.
Methodone has helped thousands achieve a near normal life. They no longer need to commit crimes, as they are getting their physical needs met legally from the Methodone.

Answer 8

It is a similar question as why do smokers use niquitine patches and chewing gum when giving up smoking. Niquitine is the only addictive part of cigarettes. Neither make any sense as far as i can see.

Answer 9

Maybe ask his clinic, or even the clinic that is nearest you if they could make any suggestions, or if there is anywhere they could call in to for him to be able to get it. I'm sure as long as he he is going to the clinic fairly often to make sure he is treating the addiction, not just replacing it, the will work around someway for him to be able to travel short term, or move.

Answer 10

because they could die from immediately stopping the abuse, the withdrawal can kill. Just like any pain medication out there, you have to gradually reduce the dosage to weaken the physical reliance.