HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Methadone for Drug Abuse
How It Works
Methadone works on parts of the brain and spinal cord to block the "high" caused by using opiates (such as heroin). It also helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by opiate use. The action of methadone is similar to other synthetic (man-made) medicines in the morphine category (opioids). Substances that are derived directly from the opium plant (such as heroin, morphine, and codeine) are known as opiates.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 20, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction |
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