Methadone is generally used to treat opioid addiction, such as heroin or prescription painkiller addiction. It is a long-acting opioid agonist that aids in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing people to stabilise and move towards recovery.

Methadone operates in the brain by attaching to the same opioid receptors as other opioids do. It does, however, have a longer duration of action, which aids in the prevention of withdrawal symptoms and the reduction of the need for regular opioid use. It assists individuals in managing their addiction and lowering the risk of relapse by giving a controlled and supervised dose of methadone.