METHADONE MYTHS AND REALITIES

Myth: People who take methadone are still addicts, substituting one drug for another.
Reality: Methadone is a medication that stabilizes an addict's general sense of well-being and allows them to focus on treatment and a normal life.

Myth: Methadone rots your bones.
Reality: Methadone does not accumulate in the bones or cause bone damage. Some people do experience bone ache associated with methadone treatment and withdrawal.

Myth: Methadone gets you high.
Reality: There is no "high" associated with methadone. During the initial period of treatment there may be lightheadedness or sleepiness, but for most people this subsides once the dosage is stabilized and the methadone allows them to feel normal.

Myth: Methadone makes you gain weight.
Reality: Some people gain weight when coming off opiate drugs because their health and appetite improve. Taking methadone doesn't cause weight gain.

Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador source materials, Methadone Maintenance Treatment - client handbook