Methadone for Opioid Addiction Treatment
Methadone is an opioid medication that is an effective tool in helping individuals achieve and sustain recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), especially when paired with behavioral therapies that address the full spectrum of addiction-related challenges.1 As an FDA-approved treatment, methadone offers various benefits in treating OUD.1
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, it can be helpful to understand your treatment options, which may include OUD medications. Keep reading to learn more about methadone for addiction treatment, how does methadone work, and finding effective treatment that suits your unique needs.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is an FDA-approved OUD addiction treatment medication.2 It’s a synthetic long-acting opioid agonist that binds to and activates opioid receptors more slowly and lasts longer than drugs like heroin or fentanyl.2,3 This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and block the effects of other opioids.2
Methadone is available in various formulations, such as tablets, powders, dispersible tablets, and liquid concentrates.3 It may be prescribed as a generic or under brand names like Methadose and Dolophine.3
Methadone for opioid use disorder can only be dispensed by licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs).1,2 While people who are just starting methadone treatment generally need to travel to an OTP daily or almost daily to receive it, those who have been in treatment for a certain time may be able to obtain up to 28 take-home doses, due to new regulations that were enacted in 2020, and made permanent in 2024; however this is not as widely accepted or mainstream compared to obtaining methadone from licensed methadone clinics.2
Methadone is one of the most studied medications for OUD.3 It has a long history of use, and is considered safe and effective when taken as directed under the guidance of a qualified physician. 2,3
What Is Methadone Used For?
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication that may be used during medically supervised withdrawal and continued in the maintenance phase to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder.3
Methadone uses and benefits include:2,3
- Minimizing or suppressing withdrawal symptoms during the active detoxification phase.
- Blocking the effects of illicit and more potent opioids, which may help reduce illicit opioid use and prevent relapse during detox and maintenance.
- Reducing or eliminating opioid cravings, which can help people maintain abstinence during detox as well as the maintenance phase of treatment.
- Helping people remain in treatment for longer periods.
How Does Methadone Work?
As a synthetic long-acting opioid agonist medication that attaches to the same mu-opioid receptors as other opioids, methadone works to block the effects of other opioids and alleviates cravings and withdrawal symptoms.3,4
Methadone for opioid withdrawal not only manages cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification phase of treatment, but methadone for OUD can also be used throughout the maintenance stage as well to manage cravings and prevent relapse.1,5
Methadone has a long half-life, and it remains in the body for longer than many other opioids.3,5 This can make once-daily dosing very effective for addressing cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms.5
While methadone or other OUD medications can be effective components of a complete treatment plan, it’s generally advised that people should also receive counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying issues and behaviors associated with OUD.4
Some of the benefits of medications like methadone for opioid addiction include:2-4
- Manages/reduces cravings.
- Reduces illicit opioid use.
- Increases retention in treatment.
- Safe and effective when taken as prescribed under a physician’s guidance.
- Improves health and functioning.
- Can be used for as long as a person receives a benefit.
- Reduces mortality.
- Reduces criminal behaviors.
- Enhances a person’s quality of life.
- Safe and recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women with OUD.
- Reduces the risk of death due to overdose.
- Reduces the risk of HIV and hepatitis C.
Methadone Side Effects
As with most medications, methadone can cause certain side effects.3 If you experience side effects from methadone or have concerns about side effects, it’s advisable to consult your physician.
Since methadone is an opioid, it can produce typical opioid side effects. The most common methadone side effects include:3
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea and constipation).
- Sweating.
- Drowsiness and sedation.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
How Long Will I Be Prescribed Methadone?
People may be prescribed and can safely take methadone for as long as is necessary for their needs–in other words, for as long as they experience a benefit from taking it.3
People may take OUD medications like methadone for short periods, such as during withdrawal management, and/or for longer terms, such as during the maintenance period, which can last months or years, depending on a person’s unique needs and circumstances.3
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is not advisable to impose arbitrary time limits on the length of treatment with medication for OUD.3
The length of time that you will be prescribed methadone will be determined and re-evaluated by your physician throughout your treatment as your needs evolve and change.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Orange County
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid misuse or OUD, you are not alone, and effective treatment is available.
Laguna Treatment Center, an Orange County rehab, offers comprehensive, individualized treatment for OUD, which can include the use of medications as well as counseling, behavioral therapies, and specialized programs for those with unique needs, such as Veterans and Native Americans.
We offer different levels of addiction rehab, including medically managed detox and inpatient/residential care.
When you’re ready to reach out, we’ll be here to help you any time of day or night. Please call our free, confidential helpline at to connect with a caring admissions navigator. You can also start by verifying your insurance coverage using our .
We can help you start addiction treatment today, help you understand more about using health insurance to pay for rehab, and explain how to pay for rehab.
Regardless of how things might seem right now, there is always hope, and proper treatment can help people attain and sustain recovery from opioid addiction.