(02) 9319 5833
(02) 9319 5833
Methadone is manufactured and is used as a substitute for the treatment of people dependent on heroin and other opioids. It is much longer lasting than heroin, which means that a single dose can be effective for approximately 24 hours while the effects of heroin are usually over within a few hours.
In a treatment program, methadone is usually dispensed in syrup form and drunk with cordial or fruit juice.
We use Methadone because:
-Methadone is swallowed, which eliminates the risk becoming infected with Hepatitis B or C or HIV via the use of shared or dirty neeldes.
- Methadone can be administered in a controlled way. We dispense in a safe, clinical environment which means there is no risk of it being impure.
-Most importantly, the effects of methadone last up to 24 hours and this means a person only needs one dose a day to control withdrawal. These factors help stabilise your lifestyle. It reduces the stress and anxiety over where the next dose of heroin is coming from and encourages our patients to look after themselves and others better.
- A person on methadone is usally more likely to hold down a job.
Further information and resources on Methadone:
Health NSW Fact Page on Heroin and Methadone
History of Methadone in Australia