METHADONE

WHAT IS METHADONE?

• Highly addictive drug (as addictive as heroin)
• Prescribed by a doctor to treat people who have been addicted to opioids
• An opioid pain reliever, similar to morphine
• Fastest growing cause of narcotic deaths, according to federal government statistics

German scientists synthesized methadone during WWII because of shortage of morphine. It was introduced into U.S. in 1947 as an analgesic.

WHAT ARE SOME STREET NAMES?

• Amidone
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Fizzies
• Wafer
• Pastora

WHAT DOES METHADONE LOOK LIKE?

HOW IS METHADONE USED?

• Tablets are designed to be swallowed, others are dissolved first in liquid
• Available as ready-to-drink solution or as a concentrate
• Some are administered via injection

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

• Sleepy
• Weak
• Sweaty
• Itchy skin
• Dry mouth

LONG TERM EFFECTS

• Lung and breathing problem
• Reduces production of testosterone
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Swelling of hands, arms, feet, and legs

RISKS

• More than 3x a day can cause drug to build up in a person's body
• Disrupts the heart's rhythm and breathing
• When used with tranquilizers or other prescription painkillers

Untitled Slide

"Take to kill because Methadone will"

NONMEDICAL USE OF PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS BY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS