What is methadone?
Methadone was introduced into the United States in 1947 as an analgesic or painkiller under such names as Methadone, Amidone, and Dolophine. It has been used to treat natcotic addicts since the 1960's. Methadone is a substitute for heroin in a controlled program of treatment that allows patients in the program to lead more normal lives. The methadone drug test is available in the 12 panel test.

Download a chart that shows commonly abused drugs that includes: medical uses, urine drug testing periods of detection, street names, DEA schedule and intoxication effects/potential health consequences.

Methadone is a rigorously well-tested medication that has been safely used to treat opioid addiction in the United States for more than 40 years. Methadone:

• Blocks the craving for opioids that is a major factor in relapse.
• Suppresses the symptoms of opioid withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours.
• Blocks the effects of administered heroin.
• Does not cause euphoria, intoxication, or sedation.

Methadone abuse among high school students is a concern. Nearly 1 percent of high school seniors in the United States abused the drug at least once in their lifetime, according to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey.

Slang/Street Names

• Amidone
• Fizzies
• Dollies
• Dolls
• Chocolate chip cookies (methadone or heroin combined with MDMA)