Is Methadone really a second killer drug in U.S.?

darda · Newbie Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 13

I have heard from my friend, whose husband is a doctor, an unbelievable fact. Is Methadone really a second killer drug in U.S.? I know that it used as a pain reliever and that there are many addicted people who take methadone. I also used it once when I had problems with back pain. Still, to be that dangerous, I did not have any idea. Is that true?

maynard · Newbie Joined: 23 Jan 2005 Posts: 6

There is an ongoing battle to prove whether methadone is safe or not. Latest statistics say that methadone really is the cause of many deaths across the globe. The point is, no one is making any big fuss, because most of the deceased are drug addicts! The latest case was 22 month old baby boy in UK, who died because his mother gave him methadone regularly in an attempt to deal more easily with him! Imagine that! Anyway, there are lots of info on internet that speaks of this topic. Search the, and you will find the true.

Guest · Guest

There is a campaign to spread lies about methadone along with further restrictions advocated by a rash of anti-methadone groups. Following the precedent set for them by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving - these groups, fueled by anger and grief, constantly make misleading statements in their effort to drum up support. Exaggerated statistics concerning the number of people killed in methadone related deaths are part of an over-all effort to exaggerate the extent of the problem and to enhance fundraising and legislative lobbying efforts.

There is no reason to insist falsely that methadone related deaths are a growing epidemic. In most of these cases methadone is simply blamed, used as a scape goat, pointed to as the “cause” of death regardless of what other drugs or factors exist.

Despite the rash of false claims being made by these groups Methadone maintenance programs continue to be highly regulated and structured with nearly 50 years of proven efficacy. Clinics that fail to meet certain criteria are closed down and patients that use or divert their medicine are terminated from the program. Treatment programs are regulated on the State and Federal level, it's the most regulated drug in history.

In the midst of this public appeal these groups will say almost anything to make their point. They are adding to the stigma that already exists for addicts and portraying a false picture of methadone maintenance. The dangerous claims are not those that are false; we who support Methadone Assisted Treatment are quick to debunk those. Rather, the dangerous claims are those that are true or partially true and being used to illustrate a cause and effect that simply doesn't exist.

The truth is that methadone maintenance treatment has had clear benefits in reducing heroin abuse and its medical and psychosocial complications, it is medically safe to use on a long-term basis, and may have broad benefits for the disrupted biology that is associated with heroin abuse. Do not buy the fake science, pumped up statistics and misleading rhetoric of these groups. Stricter laws will only make treatment less accessible, more lives will be lost, and those loved ones we all have lost will not be brought back.

Methad1_4_Life · Newbie Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

There is an online campaign to spread lies and half-truths about methadone and methadone maintenance treatment as part of an over-all effort to further restrict a medication already regulated more than any other drug in history. Following the precedent set for them by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving - these groups, fueled by anger and grief, constantly make misleading statements to drum up support and solicit donations. Exaggerated statistics concerning the number of people killed in methadone related deaths are part of this effort to exaggerate the extent of the problem and to enhance fundraising and legislative lobbying efforts.

In the midst of this public appeal these groups will say almost anything to make their point. The dangerous claims are not those that are false; we who support Methadone Assisted Treatment are quick to debunk those. Rather, the dangerous claims are those that are true or partially true and being used to illustrate a cause and affect that simply doesn't exist. They are quick to spout off unfounded facts such as "Methadone is the Number #2 Killer" - the most ridiculous claim yet. Their campaign would be laughable if it wasn’t for what's at stake; with every person they convince with their exaggerated claims the stigma against those who address their problem of drug addiction is worsened, and the one medication that might make a difference becomes in danger of becoming less accessible to those who need it most.

There is absolutely no reason to insist falsely that methadone related deaths are a growing epidemic. In most of these cases methadone is simply blamed, used as a scape goat, pointed to as the “cause” of death regardless of what other drugs or factors exist.

Despite this rash of false claims being made by these groups, Methadone maintenance programs continue to be highly regulated and structured with nearly 50 years of proven efficacy. State and Federal agencies both monitor these clinics closely to make sure that the meet the standard set for accreditation. Clinics that fail to meet certain criteria are closed down and patients that use or divert their medicine are terminated from the program.

The truth is that methadone maintenance treatment has had clear benefits in reducing heroin abuse and its medical and psychosocial complications, it is medically safe to use on a long-term basis, and may have broad benefits for the disrupted biology that is associated with heroin abuse. Do not buy the fake science, pumped up statistics and misleading rhetoric of these groups. Stricter laws will only make treatment less accessible, more lives will be lost, and those lives lost to the tragedy of drug addiction will never be brought back.

Is Methadone really a second killer drug in U.S.?

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK