Methadone is an opioid commonly used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Methadone is designed to prevent a rapid high — not cause one.

Methadone is an opioid commonly used in medication-assisted treatment for addiction. The drug is meant to relieve withdrawal symptoms and acts as an alternative to more potent opioids, such as prescription painkillers or heroin.

Since methadone is also an opioid, there’s a common misconception that methadone treatment simply means replacing one high with another. However, because methadone is formulated as an extremely long-acting drug, a high from methadone is very unlikely.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is an effective opioid agonist used to treat heroin and opioid addiction, but it can also be used for severe pain. When used as prescribed, methadone works to suppress withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for other drugs. The drug takes up to five days of constant use to fully kick in, meaning that a high is unlikely. One dose lasts for 24 to 55 hours, making it an ideal detox agent for ongoing treatment.

Because methadone is so long-lasting, taking doses too close together or in large quantities can be especially dangerous. Symptoms of slowed breathing can last longer with methadone than with other opioids, putting a person at risk of an overdose. In addition, doctors urge patients to avoid combining medication or alcohol with methadone treatment. Taking this drug without the proper guidance and precautions can result in life-threatening and sometimes fatal consequences.

Does Methadone Get You High?

Although it is possible to induce a methadone high, it is very difficult. This opioid is a long-acting medication that releases the drug in increments throughout the day, and it takes up to five days to reach a full effect. For these reasons, a quick, euphoric rush is difficult to achieve with methadone.

Signs of Methadone Abuse

Methadone abuse and addiction can create a number of health risks and side effects. The most common signs of methadone abuse include:

  • Being unable to stop taking the drug, even if you want to
  • Making mistakes at work or school
  • Harming personal relationships
  • Needing larger amounts of methadone to achieve the same effects as before
  • Craving methadone

Other serious health risks associated with methadone abuse include slowed breathing, overdose and even death.

Overcoming Methadone Addiction

Recovery is a journey that does not have to be taken alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone addiction, The Recovery Village is here to guide you through an effective recovery plan that can suit your needs. Don’t wait another day to begin your path toward a healthier life — contact us to speak with one of our helpful representatives and learn more about the many treatment services we offer.

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Editor – Jonathan Strum
Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more
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Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD
Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more
Sources

Grissinger, Matthew. “Keeping Patients Safe From Methadone Overdoses.” Pharmacy & Therapeutics, August 2011. Accessed August 26, 2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Know the Signs and Get Help for Opioid Addiction.” December 21, 2020. Accessed August 26, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.