Category: Drug treatment

For over 50 years, methadone has been used effectively in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Despite its long-standing use, determining **when should methadone be used** requires a careful assessment of its specific medical applications and significant safety considerations.

First synthesized in Germany during World War II, oral methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid medication used for two distinct and critical purposes. It serves as an effective tool for managing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and is also prescribed for the treatment of severe, chronic pain that requires round-the-clock opioid relief. Its dual utility, though under strict regulatory oversight, has made it a foundational component in modern addiction and pain medicine.