FAQ

WHAT IS METHADONE?

Methadone is a long acting synthetic opiate that is designed to combat the physical withdrawal symptoms of other narcotic/opiate drugs. When used in opiate addiction treatment it is taken either in pill or liquid form. Methadone is designed to be taken daily and will last in the body 24 to 36 hours, eliminating the requirement to use narcotics several times during this same time frame to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms. When taken properly and once the patient is stabilized on an effective dosage it does not produce the euphoria that other narcotics cause.

WHAT IS SUBOXONE

SUBOXONE is the first opioid medication approved under DATA 2000 for the treatment of opioid dependence in an office-based setting. SUBOXONE also can be dispensed for take-home use, just as any other medicine for other medical conditions.
The primary active ingredient in SUBOXONE is buprenorphine.
SUBOXONE at the appropriate dose may be used to:
Reduce illicit opioid use
Help patients stay in treatment by
Suppressing symptoms of opioid withdrawal
Decreasing cravings for opioids

DO I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR TO GET THESE MEDICATIONS?

Yes. The treatment program Medical Director and program staff monitor both Methadone and Orlaam medications closely. It is necessary for all patients to have a physical examination and evaluation before they can begin taking either medication. They are also required to have regular medication evaluations by the program physicians during their treatment episode.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO THESE MEDICATIONS?

There are some side effects associated with methadone such as constipation, stomach upset, impotency, dehydration of the body and occasionally there are allergic reactions. As with methadone, SUBOXONE does have some side effects, but patients report that these are less severe than they experienced while taking methadone.

WHAT ABOUT .....?

There are many myths about methadone, some of which include that methadone is more addicting than heroin, methadone patients should not be allowed to operate heavy machinery or drive a car, that it gets into the bone marrow, rot the teeth and "depletes calcium". All of these are simply myths that are false. Unfortunately uninformed treatment professionals or patients perpetuate these myths. Weight gain often occurs simply because of the decrease in activity associated with illicit substance use and the ability to have more normalize eating and living behaviors.

Want to know more about the facts and myths associated with methadone? Learn more about Methadone. (pdf format)

CAN THE PROGRAM TELL ANYONE I'M IN TREATMENT?

All treatment records at RAM CLINIC are protected under Federal Confidentiality Laws. This means that no one can find out about your treatment or even that you are in treatment without your written consent to release this information. There are some circumstances under the law that do not apply to written signed consent, such as child abuse laws. You have the right to revoke written consent that you have given at any time. If you would like further information about Federal Confidentiality Regulations, click here to review the federal law itself.

STILL WANT TO KNOW MORE ...?

About Methadone is a 50-page booklet from the Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation that covers most of the questions patients and their loved ones might have about methadone maintenance treatment. Written in nontechnical language, it gives facts, dispels myths, and also provides helpful tips on such topics as traveling with methadone, storing the drug, concerns about overdose, and much more.
To obtain copies, contact the Lindesmith Center at 212-548-0695; methadone@drugpolicy,or view the booklet itself "About Methadone".