Methadone was first produced in the 1930s as a go-to drug in place of morphine due to morphine's high rate of addiction. Over time, methadone has been used to help heroin and opiate addicts. The purpose of this drug was to be a pain reliever and is now used to help wean and manage addiction. There are negative side effects to methadone as well, but the most common side effect is once again addiction. So is methadone just a different crutch? First, I will discuss the history and origin of methadone. Second, I will discuss the role of the physician in methadone maintenance treatment programs, as well as the benefits of methadone maintenance. Finally I will talk about the dangers of methadone. The chemical structure of methadone was first discovered in the 1930s, when a group of German scientists were trying to replace morphine with a drug that wasn't as addictive. (1) "In 1937 Max Bockmhl and Gustav Ehrhart discovered a synthetic substance which they called Hoechst 10820 or polamidon."(1) During World War II German scientists continued previous research and "synthesized the substance" due to the shortage of morphine and other pain medications. relievers. At the end of World War II the United States obtained the rights to the drug and later called it methadone. In 1947, methadone was discovered to be useful for several reasons. It was a painkiller with less addictive qualities and a treatment for narcotic addiction. This drug has been considered a treatment or at least a "manager" of addiction due to the long-acting nature of the drug which was thought to have fewer side effects and potential harmful effects. (1) In the 1960s, heroin addiction grew and scientists looked for something to help detox addicts. During withdrawal… half the paper… times a day due to accumulation in a person's body. It can also disrupt the heart rhythm and is risky when taken with other painkillers. (7) In conclusion, I think methadone is a useful drug and can do great things for addicts who wish to overcome their addiction. However, it should be a drug administered only if closely monitored by a doctor. As Mr. McDowell said, it is extremely tempting to hand over an opioid of any kind and expect the addict to take it as directed. Placing so much responsibility in the hands of the addict is more than most can handle. Like any drug, it is sold on the street and prescribed by a doctor. Police treat methadone like any other drug. It seems to me that it is our doctors and our treatment facilities that need more education and disbursement requirements that could help the statistics change direction.