What Is the Desired Response From Methadone in Methadone Maintenance Treatment?
The following are three desired clinical effects that Kreek (1987) described as “important, separate effects” of methadone. The realization of these effects provides a reasonable clinical assurance that methadone is available at the desired receptor sites at all times, producing the “steady state” condition. • The prevention of the onset of opioid abstinence syndrome (AS) for 24 hours or more. This includes the early subjective symptoms of withdrawal as well as the objective signs typical of abstinence. • The reduction or elimination of drug hunger or craving that the opioid-addicted individual routinely experiences, often associated with the onset of very early subjective abstinence or in response to environmental cues or both. • Blockade of the euphoric effects of any illicitly self-administered narcotics. This describes the effect of an adequate or “blockade” dose of methadone that prevents the desired sensations when heroin is injected in the usual street doses. Kreek (1986) also e
