Methadone...Inspired by the pot thread.

[birdiesunshine]

Can someone explain to me why someone can go get their methadone high and then drive a car but someone that has been drinking or smoking dope and gets pulled over get arrested. I've never been on methadone, but isn't a high a high?

 

[RadioNate]

you don't get high off of methadone.

It's a 'downer' used to stablize the 'high' and withdrawl problems of heroin (usually).

The more complex answer (in a simplified nutshell) is that drugs like Heroin damage and change brain chemestry. Methadone balances out those changes which prevents the user from relying on other drugs (heroin) to fix the unbalance.

ETA from http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/methadone/
Methadone is a legal medication produced by licensed and approved pharmaceutical companies using quality control standards. Under a physician's supervision, it is administered orally on a daily basis with strict program conditions and guidelines. Methadone does not impair cognitive functions. It has no adverse effects on mental capability, intelligence, or employability. It is not sedating or intoxicating, nor does it interfere with ordinary activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Patients are able to feel pain and experience emotional reactions. Most importantly, methadone relieves the craving associated with opiate addiction. For methadone patients, typical street doses of heroin are ineffective at producing euphoria, making the use of heroin less desirable.

 

[birdiesunshine]

Thanks for the information. I was not aware of that at all. My understanding was that methadone was a legal high so to speak.

 

[kaabost]

That's a good point. I was under the understanding that Methodone did contain low levels of the drug while also making the user feel sick if they actually did use heroin. Is this incorrect?

 

[Texan Mouseketeer]

My father is perscribed methadone for diabetic neuropathy. For him it is used as a pain killer. It does not make him high at all. If anything it makes him sick at his stomach.

 

[Darcy]

I've been on methadone for pain and never got a high.


As for driving, anything that imapairs you and you drive you are subject to being arrested for driving while intoxicated, this is everything from tylenal, cold medicinces to alcohol and heroin.

 

[Disneyworldreaming]

they use Methadone in clinics for Herion addicts. It is supose to take away the withdrawal. but it has been my experice that it just keeps the junkie from getting dope sick in the morning long enough to make money to cop there dope. it is a nasty drug to withdraw from where it is stored in the fat cells, and 10 worse then getting off herion. (which is water soluable and a 3 day kick)

I have never know it to cause a high as it is more to maintain...other then the other resons for "done"

 

[delilah]

Actually, using a legally prescribed controlled substance can be an issue for you if you are involved in a moving violation or an accident. I had a nurse in my office, who was arrested for speeding and dui (alcohol), and had been prescribed a benzodiazepine several months prior to her incident. She had to bring in various notes from the doctor (me) that indicated how long she took the medication, how much was prescribed, etc. Her experience was so awful
that now I share it with any patient that is getting either benzodiazepines or narcotics. The police and courts will even be picky about non-controlled drugs, like antidepressants or antihistamines, which can depress the CNS.

 

[aprilgail2]

they use Methadone in clinics for Herion addicts. It is supose to take away the withdrawal. but it has been my experice that it just keeps the junkie from getting dope sick in the morning long enough to make money to cop there dope. it is a nasty drug to withdraw from where it is stored in the fat cells, and 10 worse then getting off herion. (which is water soluable and a 3 day kick)

I have never know it to cause a high as it is more to maintain...other then the other resons for "done"

One of my ex boyfriends was on methadone, he came back from vietnam a drug addict and it took him years to get clean. He was on methadone for about 3 yaers, I finally got tired of having ot live my life by "have to go to the methadone clinic today and pick up my 3 days worth of methadone" and pushed him to get off it-they gradually drop the amount they take until they are off it and eventually they are clean if all goes well. They also drug test them every time they pick it up here and if anything shows up they are tossed out of the program. There used to be guys standing outside the clinic trying to buy the doses they give you from home from you!!

 

[Disneyworldreaming]

One of my ex boyfriends was on methadone, he came back from vietnam a drug addict and it took him years to get clean. He was on methadone for about 3 yaers, I finally got tired of having ot live my life by "have to go to the methadone clinic today and pick up my 3 days worth of methadone" and pushed him to get off it-they gradually drop the amount they take until they are off it and eventually they are clean if all goes well. They also drug test them every time they pick it up here and if anything shows up they are tossed out of the program. There used to be guys standing outside the clinic trying to buy the doses they give you from home from you!!

yep, I know the whole deal, ex was an addict for 12 yrs(that I was with him...) he was one for over 30 yrs. now cean and sober for 8 yrs. it is a very depressing life to live!