Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication primarily used to treat opioid addiction, including addiction to drugs like heroin or prescription opioids. It is also used for the management of chronic pain, particularly when other pain medications have proven ineffective or when the potential for opioid misuse is a concern.
Methadone is often provided as part of a comprehensive treatment program for opioid use disorder, which may include counseling and therapy in addition to medication-assisted treatment. Methadone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are activated by opioids like heroin, effectively preventing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings for opioids.