Finding Normal




 Myth

METHADONE TREATMENT IS TRADING ONE ADDICTION FOR ANOTHER

Fact

Clients in approved clinics are not addicted. They are dependent.

Physical Dependence (often mistaken for “addiction”) is an inconvenience, and is normal physiology for anyone taking opioids for an extended period of time. Many medications can cause dependence and should not be discontinued abruptly. For example, corticosteroids, Beta Blockers & anti-depressants.

Addiction is a dangerous medical condition that requires treatment. Addiction is damaging and life-threatening. It is a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life.   

Myth

Methadone was named for Adolph Hitler.

Fact

Methadone was created in Germany and distributed under the name Dolophine. The name derives from the Latin dolor which means "pain" & finis meaning "end".

Myth
Methadone is more addicting than Heroin.
Fact
Studies show that Methadone withdrawal lasts longer but is less severe symptomatically than Heroin. When properly discontinued at a slow rate withdrawal can be virtually pain free but short term therapy has proven unsuccessful (>1%).
 
Myth
Methadone clinics increase crime rates in neighborhoods where they are located.
Fact
Methadone Clinics reduce criminal activity by eliminating the need to seek illegal drugs.
 
Myth
It is unsafe to drive while on Methadone.
Fact
Methadone treatment participants have been in several studies regarding this issue. The results have all demonstrated completely normal functioning while driving and in some cases, their reaction times were even better than comparison group members not taking methadone.
 
Myth
Methadone is not safe during pregnancy & when used babies are born dependent.

Fact

Opiate withdrawal can be fatal to expectant mothers. Methadone is the only safe treatment available for opiate addicted mothers during pregnancy.

Myth

Methadone is the #2 Killer in the United States.

Fact

Methadone was listed as the third most common drug mentioned as a "possible contributing factor" on death certificates only after all other drugs except Heroin were identified. Therefore, when taken literally it could be said that methadone was the least likely narcotic to cause overdose. It was even noted that multiple drugs when listed were not accounted for. So, if ten drugs were consumed as long as one of those were methadone it was factored in. Hardly, concrete evidence.

Myth

One pill can kill.

Fact

 Circumstances in which this has occurred involved the following...

 Methadone was involved with a non compatible drug i.e. Xanax

                           Methadone Was Taken By Someone Other Than The Person Prescribed                                        

The person was not tolerant to opiates

The person increased the dose beyond what was prescribed

The person suffered an adverse reaction to it

       

 References:
                   1. Uniform Crime Reports, FBI, unpublished data (1988-1997)
                   2. http://www.naabt.com

                   3. http://hubpages.com/hub/The_Truth_About_Methadone_Myths_Dispelled

                   4. The National Center for Health Statistics Report for 2005

                        http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr56/nvsr56_10.pdf

                 5. http://www.atforum.com/SiteRoot/pages/current_pastissues/2007winter.html#methadonepregnancy

                  6. "Regarding Methadone Treatment…and Other Pharmacotherapies." A Review. Committee of Methadone Program Administrators, Inc., New York, 1999