About Methadone and Buprenorphine - Drug Policy Alliance

ConcernsAbout OverdoseMethadone treatment reduces thechance of overdose for those who areusing or are addicted to heroin.Methadone is a pure drug and isindividually prescribed. It does notcontain the harmful “cuts” that aremixed into drugs bought on thestreet. Concerns about overdoseremain, however, especially if youcontinue to use street drugs or ifyou resume regular heroin use afterstopping your methadone treatment.If you stop taking methadone andstart using street drugs again, yourchance of overdose increasesbecause you now have a lowertolerance for the drugs. Toleranceincreases when your body hasgotten used to having the drug in itssystem – in other words, your body“tolerates” the presence of the drug.If you stop using regularly – or if youhave detoxed – it takes a smalleramount of the heroin, methadone, orother opioid to cause an overdose.Also, mixing pills such as benzodiazepines,barbiturates and/or alcoholwith methadone or heroin increasesthe risk of overdose.22About Methadone and Buprenorphine