Methadone facts
How it affects you
- Similar effects to heroin, though longer acting (24 hours) and less intense.
- Some users experience an intense allergy-like itchiness.
- When prescribed for heroin users it can stop their withdrawal for 24 hours to allow them to gain control of their lives.
Other names
Meth, linctus, green, juice, amps.
Is it legal?
- Class A if possessed without a prescription in your name.
- Possession carries a maximum sentence of 7 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
- Supply or production carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine.
The risks, signs and symptoms
- Methadone is physically addictive and withdrawal can be longer and more unpleasant than heroin.
- If you mix methadone with alcohol you’re at more risk of passing out and, like heroin, your cough reflex is suppressed leaving you prone to choking if you vomit.
- Overdose is common in users who are not used to the drug or have lost their tolerance.
- Injecting it or using undiluted 50mg ampoules can lead to vein damage, and injecting crushed tablets carries serious risk of vein blocking and abscesses.
- Methadone is extremely toxic to children.
How you can reduce the risks
- Only take it as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep it away from children.