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Methadone
Meth, what's the deal?
What is Methadone: Methadone is an opiate that can be prescribed to try and help wean people off illegal opiates such as heroin. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain; thus reducing the high and helping people to wean off heroin. Some people also use it as a heroin substitute to get a high. It is very dangerous to mix it with alcohol or barbiturates.
Is it legal? It is legal when obtained via prescription and obtained in a licensed pharmacy. However, street use without a prescription is illegal.
What happens when you take it? It induces a state of relaxation and often drowsiness. Due to its opiate activity, it also has uses as a painkiller. For this reason, some pain clinics offer it as a treatment to those suffering from painful chronic diseases. Again though, this requires a prescription.
Side effects: Constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, loss of libido. In large doses it can also affect breathing and dangerously decrease the ability to take in oxygen.
More info: drugs.ie
