Private Methadone Programme

What is Methadone?

 

• Methadone is a man-made opioid (also known as an opiate). Other opioids include codeine, morphine, fentanyl and diamorphine (heroin).

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• Methadone is used to help you stop taking heroin. It reduces your withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, shivering and other flu-like symptoms. It also helps stop cravings.

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• There are 2 main approaches to stopping heroin:

  • Maintenance therapy – where you switch from heroin to a heroin substitute like methadone, then stay on a stable dose of the substitute. You will usually take this long term

  • Detox (detoxification) – where you switch from heroin to a substitute like methadone, before gradually withdrawing from the substitute so you're completely free from both

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• Some people start taking methadone for maintenance therapy. However many of them go on to detox and become free of heroin and methadone.

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How and when is methadone used?

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• Methadone is usually prescribed in liquid form, it is swallowed in one go and water can be consumed afterwards if desired

 

Dosage for heroin addiction

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• Doses vary from person to person. The starting dose is based on:

  • The amount of heroin you are using

  • Whether you are using other drugs or alcohol

  • A urine sample (to test for heroin and other drugs)

  • Your physical and mental health

  • Whether you have had treatment for drug addiction before

  • Patients usually start on 10mg to 30mg, taken once a day. This can be increased slowly, until  withdrawal symptoms are under control and your cravings stop.

  • Many people then take a regular dose of between 60mg and 120mg a day. However your dose may be different. 

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