What is methadone primarily used for?

Methadone is primarily used in the context of opioid use disorder, specifically for the treatment of heroin addiction and other forms of opioid dependence. It acts as a long-acting synthetic opioid that helps to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in individuals trying to recover from opioid use. This medication is a critical component of methadone maintenance therapy, which allows individuals to stabilize their lives and reduce the risk of illicit opioid use.

While methadone can be used for chronic pain management, its most significant application is in treatment programs for individuals with opioid addiction. In therapeutic settings, it contributes to a controlled and monitored recovery process, helping patients make meaningful strides towards recovery by supporting their transition away from more dangerous and illicit opioids. Methadone's role in heroin treatment underscores its importance in harm reduction strategies within addiction treatment frameworks.