Methadone for addicts and methadone for non-addicts

[Derek]

While the methadone program certainly has some benefits and can work if managed properly despite being a dumping ground for a significant number of heroin addicts surely this is going a bit far.

Prisoners who have beaten their drug dependency while incarcerated are being given substances such as methadone – the highly addictive heroin substitute – before their release

[Will21st]

Originally Posted by Derek S

While the methadone program certainly has some benefits and can work if managed properly despite being a dumping ground for a significant number of heroin addicts surely this is going a bit far.

well,I reckon it's to counter any (re)lapses when coming out of the can....

[Dai]

That's absolutely insane. Methadone is far more addictive than Heroin and the withdrawal is harsher and takes longer.

I'm not convinced by their 'anti-overdose' argument either.

[Will21st]

since Heroin is 'bad' as per ideology of the war on drugs,they are being given methadone,which is indeed far worse than heroin.The thinking is that if they want to use,they can use methandone,but that doesn't give a buzz,unlike heroin.

Total non-sense,but what can you do......?

[Dai]

I guess a maintenance dose will at least keep the guys stable. I've known people on the methadone program that have managed to work and live a relatively normal life. I understand it takes the edge off the heroin craving enough that you can actually focus on other things.

[Will21st]

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

I guess a maintenance dose will at least keep the guys stable. I've known people on the methadone program that have managed to work and live a relatively normal life. I understand it takes the edge off the heroin craving enough that you can actually focus on other things.

if addiccts can do it with methadone then that's great! Sense and purpose comes from anything but being doped up anyway,so the sooner they come off whatever,the better,imo.

[mikegreen]

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

That's absolutely insane. Methadone is far more addictive than Heroin and the withdrawal is harsher and takes longer.

I'm not convinced by their 'anti-overdose' argument either.

Indicative of the whole "government drugs farce" IMO

Insane indeed...

[frogstamper]

Originally Posted by mikegreen

Indicative of the whole "government drugs farce" IMO

Insane indeed...

Its nothing to do with the government thankfully, doctors have deemed that in extreme cases it is obviously better to do this with chaotic drug users then let them walk out on the streets and overdose.
I'm sure the Daily Mail would rather save the few pennies it will cost just to teach the person one final lesson.

[Spectato]

I think the primary justification behind this (and Methadone programs generally) is, that it's preferable to have addicts get their fix 'safely' from the state, rather than need to go out and mug people's mothers for drug money three times a day.
Which also subsequently benefits the drug cartels etc.
That and the fact that methadone is a nice little earner for those involved in it's dispensation.

(Google: methadone profit)

[Peter_]

I think that I would prefer the overdose as that will be one less ******* on the streets.

allegedly designed to boost the tolerance of former addicts who are deemed likely to start using drugs on their release, to minimise the risk of them taking an overdose.

Tough.