Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is a synthetic opioid agonist that works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as heroin and other opioids. This can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and it can also block the effects of other opioids. Methadone is typically taken orally, and it is available in both tablet and liquid form.
Methadone was first developed in Germany in the 1930s. It was originally used as a pain reliever, but it was later found to be effective in treating opioid addiction. Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is a type of treatment that uses methadone to help people stay in recovery from opioid addiction. MMT has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use, overdose deaths, and criminal activity.