What is Methadone Maintenance Treatment?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid, which has been used as a substitute treatment for many years.  It has several properties that make it an excellent substitute for other opioids and heroin in particular. 

These include a long duration of action so it can be taken once daily; is available in liquid form which deters injecting; having a relatively little euphoriant effect, thus eliminating withdrawal symptoms without reinforcing continued use.