A rough guide to drugs
Legal Status Using methadone, other than when it is lawfully prescribed, is an offence under the misuse of drugs act, and as such is a Class A drug. Class A: carries penalties for possession of up to 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Supply/trafficking can carry penalties of up to life imprisonment and an unlimited fine |
...is one of a number of synthetic opiates that are manufactured for medical use and have similar effects to heroin. These include dihydrocodeine (DF118s), pethidine, diconal, palfium and temgesic.
Methadone and subutex are used as substitutes for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction. This usually comes in the form of a syrup which is swallowed.
A methadone script can help users stabilise their life; improving their health and often ending the need to be involved in criminal activity.
Depending on the person’s need, a reduction programme can vary from the relatively short-term to a longer maintenance programme.
If you are using methadone, you should tell the DVLA as your driving license may be invalid. If you are on a maintenance script, you may be able to continue driving, subject to your medical assessment.
Effects & Risks
Effects can start quickly and can last several hours but this varies with how much is taken and how often it is used.
• Opiates are sedative drugs that depress the nervous system. They slow down body functioning and stop physical and psychological
pain. The effect is usually to give a feeling of warmth, relaxation and detachment.
• Methadone stops people feeling anxious.
• They make the pupils appear very small.
• Can cause constipation.
• With high doses the sedation takes over and users feel sleepy. It can even cause you to fall into a coma or stop breathing completely.
• If you are pregnant, using methadone could put your baby at risk and you should seek medical advice.
Some of the effects and risks of heroin also apply to methadone.
Overdose
As with all opiates, overdosing on methadone can be fatal.
Addiction
Methadone, like heroin, is an opiate and as such it is addictive. Sudden withdrawal can result in a number of unpleasant side-effects. However, when prescribed, the dosage is carefully controlled.
