Is Methadone More Addictive Than Heroin?

Methadone is a habit-forming drug that can become addictive if abused. But, contrary to popular belief, methadone is not more addictive than heroin and, if taken and dosed properly, the drug will not cause any addictive properties. It is much safer, healthier, and more beneficial for the recovering individual––and everyone in their life––if they are being treated with this medication instead of continuing to stay on heroin.

Why Do People Believe Methadone is Worse Than Heroin?

The merits and faults of methadone are sometimes skewed by individuals and organizations that believe maintenance is unsafe for users and that the only true way to recover from addiction is complete and utter abstinence. We now understand that this way does not always work, and this is why methadone maintenance exists. But many still believe the drug is extremely dangerous, more so even than heroin.

Methadone is much safer than heroin and doesn’t cause issues when taken as directed.

Yes, methadone can cause a serious addiction, but if it is taken as it is meant to, it will not cause this issue. People who are maintained on the drug are dependent on it, but they are not addicted in the way they were to heroin. Because methadone maintenance doesn’t cause severe problems in the lives of users, it is not considered an addiction. Many also believe that, because heroin often causes shorter withdrawal symptoms than methadone, it is less addictive, but this is just because heroin is a short-acting drug. Even if you go through heroin withdrawal, you will still be addicted to the drug if you do not seek treatment.

Methadone itself can cause addiction, but when heroin is used, it will always cause issues for the user. This is because the latter drug is a dangerous substance with no medical use and the former can be used medically to help addicts lead safer, happier lives.

The Effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Methadone maintenance is one of the most effective options available to those in addiction treatment, and it can help minimize the chance of relapse, prevent HIV transmission and contraction, and improve a person’s overall life. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “For more than 30 years, methadone has been used safely and effectively to treat people with opioid addiction, particularly heroin.”

When a person merely stays on heroin, their chances of overdose, contracting a dangerous or deadly disease, and becoming incarcerated are much higher than those in maintenance. And those who attempt to stop abusing heroin without the help of a well-rounded treatment program that provides both medication and therapeutic modalities have a much higher chance of relapse. When someone is taking methadone as properly prescribed, it is not an addiction, and their use of the drug is perfectly safe. It is important to remember how beneficial methadone can be and that the drug does not cause addiction unless misused.

How Methadone Maintenance Clinics Help Heroin Addicts

As one of the most addictive drugs in existence, heroin has destroyed more than a few people’s lives since its …

Can Methadone Help Me?

If you have been struggling with opioid addiction and would like to learn more about treatment at a methadone center, call 800-994-1867Who Answers? today. We can help you find the treatment program that best suits your needs.