Does Methadone Get You High?

Methadone can get you high since it’s an opioid with a similar risk for misuse as morphine. While methadone is commonly used to treat opioid addiction and manage chronic pain, taking more than prescribed in order to feel a high comes with serious risks, including overdose and death, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Learning about how methadone works in the body, and why it’s so easy to misjudge a safe dose, can help individuals understand why this drug is more dangerous than many people realize.

Find out more about using methadone for maintenance therapy

How Does Methadone Get You High?

Methadone is different from other opioids, like fentanyl and heroin, in several ways. Its chemical makeup and the way the body absorbs it can make it difficult to dose. When someone takes many doses of methadone, as individuals on methadone maintenance treatment often do, the substance begins to build up in the liver.

This happens because the body can only process so much methadone while other opioids are present in the nervous system. Because methadone is stopped in the liver, it can take three to five days to feel the full effects of the methadone dose. A high degree of opioid tolerance doesn’t eliminate the chance of a methadone overdose, which is likely to occur when someone illicitly takes more methadone than is prescribed.

Street Methadone Vs. Prescribed Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Street methadone, or methadone found for sale on the street illegally, is often sold or given to someone who does not have a prescription for the medication. Because methadone is water-soluble, individuals who sell it on the street often “cut” it with water or juice so that they can sell more.

But no matter what the homemade label says, it’s nearly impossible to tell how much methadone is in a given street dose.

How People Obtain Methadone Without A Prescription

Doctor shopping is a common phenomenon among the individuals who sell methadone on the street. They will often look to get as many prescriptions from local physicians as possible. This way, they have a continuous supply and can continue to sell their prescriptions. This can be extremely dangerous, as each person’s body handles methadone absorption differently.

A small dose for one person could easily kill someone else who is not prescribed the medication.

How Should Methadone Be Used?

When methadone is used to alleviate pain, it is typically taken every eight to 12 hours. If someone is taking methadone as part of a methadone maintenance treatment program, they will be prescribed a dosing schedule that makes sense for their unique situation.

If there is anything you do not understand about your prescribed dosing directions, be sure to consult your pharmacist before taking the medication home. It is crucial not to skip or miss doses, as this can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Finding Treatment For Methadone Addiction

If you or someone you love is battling methadone misuse, help is available. Many top rehab centers across the United States offer treatment programs specifically designed to address opioid addiction, including addiction to methadone itself. Whether that means medical detox, counseling, or a longer-term treatment plan, getting professional support can make all the difference in achieving lasting recovery.