Does Methadone Treatment Get You High?

Methadone is an opioid agonist and, therefore, can cause euphoria like other opioids when taken at certain high doses. However, when used to treat opioid addiction and when taken as prescribed, the drug does not cause a person to get high.

How Are the Euphoric Effects Avoided in Methadone Treatment?

The euphoric effects of the drug can be avoided if it is prescribed accurately and taken in the dosage given by the doctor. According to the National Institute of Justice, “Dosage is determined by several factors related to the patient, such as opioid tolerance level, history of opioid use, age, and current medical status.” The doctor must determine the right dosage so as to minimize withdrawals and cravings but not to cause euphoria. In addition, doses of 80-120 (the normal amount taken by most maintenance patients) are sufficient to “block the euphoric effects” of other opioids if a person attempts to abuse other drugs while on methadone.

Those patients who take methadone as prescribed and do not deviate from their prescription will not experience the euphoric effects that can be caused by opioids taken in large doses. However, it is a delicate balance, and the use of methadone must be protected at all times by medical professionals.

Does Methadone Abuse Occur?

When taken as directed, methadone doesn’t produce a high.

Yes, those who do want to feel the euphoric effects that methadone can cause sometimes abuse the drug in order to get high. However, treatment is not meant to get users high, and methadone clinics actively fight against this type of abuse. These are also some of the most heavily regulated medical facilities in the country, in order to help avoid this issue. Unfortunately, though, the diversion of the drug to the black market and other problems allows this abuse to continue.

How Can I Safely Take Methadone for Addiction Without Getting High?

In short, “do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time or in a different way than prescribed by your doctor” (The National Library of Medicine). You must always follow the prescription given to you by your doctor, and if you do experience a problem, you should talk to your doctor immediately instead of attempting to change your dosage or anything else about the way the medication is administered yourself.

Because methadone is so heavily regulated, as are clinics that distribute it, it is easy to safely take the drug. As long as you do not abuse it in any way, you will not get high when you take it. If you do begin to feel like the dosage needs to be lowered, always talk to your physician instead of taking a lower dosage yourself.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Unlike heroin,” methadone “has a slow onset and long duration of action when taken orally as directed.” This is why the drug is a helpful medication to take for addiction that is unlikely to cause euphoria. “Properly prescribed, methadone is not intoxicating or sedating,” and it can be taken safely every day by those recovering from opioid addiction.

Do You Want to Receive Methadone Treatment for Addiction?

Call 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) today. We can help you find the best methadone clinics in your area and answer any questions about the treatment itself.