 |
Methadone is a synthetic opiate, which is orally active, possesses a long-duration of action, produces minimal sedation or "high" and has few side effects at therapeutic doses. Many studies have shown the efficacy of methadone maintenance in the treatment of addicts who are dependent on heroin and other opiates.
Methadone treated patients show increased treatment retention, better physical health, less criminal activity and increased employment. Methadone is most effective in the context of a program that provides intensive counseling, medical services, and allows for higher methadone doses (over 100mg daily).
The use of methadone for maintenance is highly regulated by government agencies and has generated considerable local and national controversy. Nevertheless, methadone maintenance is the most widely utilized treatment for opioid dependence, with over 120,000 persons receiving daily treatment in the U.S.
|
|
Suggested Reading
Mother
's Survival Guide to Recovery
All About Alcohol, Drugs and Babies
By Laurie Turner.
|
|
Methadone is dissolved in a flavored liquid, and is administered to patients daily, under observation.Longstanding program participants are allowed "take-home" doses of methadone, which they may self-administer. Daily doses usually range from 20 mg per day to over 100 mg per day. Higher doses are shown to be generally associated with better treatment retention. Urine toxicological screening is performed randomly and periodically to assess compliance with treatment.
|
l-alpha-acetylmethodol acetate (LAAM) is a long-acting, orally active opiate with pharmacological properties that are similar to methadone. Studies on LAAM have shown it to be equal or superior to methadone maintenance in reducing IV drug use, when used in the context of a structured maintenance treatment program.
The advantages of LAAM include a slower onset of effects and a longer duration of action than methadone.
This allows LAAM....
|
|
M
E
D
I
C
A
L
|
