Drugs A-Z

Methadone

AKA

Green mixture, meth, linctus, physeptone, jungle juice, green death, turtle, martindales.

Description

Methadone is a synthetic opioid and is classed in the same family of drugs as heroin, dihydrocodeine (DF118), codeine, morphine, etc.

Methadone is produced in the form of ampoules for injection, as 5mg tablets, and as a linctus. However it is most commonly found in the form of a dark green liquid which has a potency of 1mg/1ml (30ml liquid dose equalling 30mg of methadone).

Methadone is generally used as an opiate substitute in the treatment of addiction of heroin and other opiates.

Effects

When taken orally, methadone usually takes effect within one hour. It produces a general sense of wellbeing and euphoria, sometime described as a 'Ready Brek glow'. It isolates the user from feelings of anxiety and pain, both physical and emotional. Those with little or no experience of opiates may initially vomit or simply feel nauseous.

The 'high' of methadone differs from that of heroin; a steady 'plateau' with little of the euphoric peaks and gross sedation associated with smack. Methadone, like all opiates, causes contraction of the pupils ('pinning'), which can be quite noticeable at higher doses. Some new or inexperienced users may experience a not-unpleasant itching sensation, particularly affecting the nose and legs. It is also highly constipating, and many addicts on long-term methadone maintenance are also prescribed laxatives.

Methadone may produce what is clinically known as 'paradoxical stimulation': users may feel that they 'speed' while on the drug. Whilst the drug has no genuine stimulant properties, it can provide resistance to physical fatigue and the impression of increased stamina as a by-product of its analgesic effect.

Taking too much may result in nausea, vomiting, clamminess, sweating and a general feeling of weakness. At larger doses, breathing becomes shallow, pulse and blood pressure can become dangerously low, and in the most serious cases, coma and death may result.

Methadone has a residual effect, accumulating with repeat doses. It is this effect which makes it so useful in treating addiction. Someone who takes a dose of methadone on one particular day may still be at least partly affected by the drug 24 hours later.

Harm Reduction

• Taking extra methadone or mixing it with other depressants such as alcohol or benzos greatly increases your risk of overdose
• Many women don't have periods when they use opiates regularly. If they cut down or stop, their periods may return. There's a good chance of getting pregnant during this time if they don't use contraception.
• It's not a good idea to stop using opiates suddenly if you're pregnant as this can cause premature labour and miscarriage. Methadone may be continued throughout pregnancy to minimize such risk.
• Your driving licence is invalid on a methadone treatment programme unless agreed by the DVLA following receipt of supportive medical advice.
  
• Methadone that's prescribed by a doctor is controlled so you can be sure of its strength and that it has not been tampered with. You can't be as sure with liquid methadone that's bought on the street.
  
• Remember, a non tolerant adult male may overdose and die on as little as 35mls (even less with alcohol)

Law

Methadone is a Class A drug. It is only legal to possess methadone which has been prescribed to you.
Max penalty for possession is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Max penalty for supply is life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Remember 'looking after' someone else's methadone is still an offence!

Detection

5-7 days in urine, occasionally much longer (up to 3 weeks).

For more in depth information on this substance you can check out one of the worlds best drug website: www.erowid.org