Methadone: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
methadone
[ หmษฮธษหdoสn ]
substance abuse
Methadone is a synthetic opioid used primarily to treat opioid addiction and chronic pain. It works by interacting with the same brain receptors as other opioids but in a way that helps to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While it is effective in managing dependency, methadone can also carry risks of misuse and overdose. Therefore, it is typically used in specially regulated programs under medical supervision. Due to its pharmacological properties, it is also prescribed for pain relief in some patients.
Synonyms
opioid, pain reliever.
Examples of usage
- She started methadone treatment for her heroin addiction.
- Methadone clinics provide essential services for recovering addicts.
- The doctor prescribed methadone to help manage his chronic pain.
Translations
Translations of the word "methadone" in other languages:
๐ต๐น metadona
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคฅเคพเคกเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Methadon
๐ฎ๐ฉ metadon
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตัะฐะดะพะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ metadon
๐ฏ๐ต ใกใตใใณ
๐ซ๐ท mรฉthadone
๐ช๐ธ metadona
๐น๐ท metadon
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฉํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุซุงุฏูู
๐จ๐ฟ metadon
๐ธ๐ฐ metadon
๐จ๐ณ ็พๆฒ้ ฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ metadon
๐ฎ๐ธ metadรณn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตัะฐะดะพะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ metadon
๐ฒ๐ฝ metadona
Etymology
The term 'methadone' is derived from 'meth-', a prefix suggesting its chemical structure, and '-done', which is frequently used in the nomenclature of various medications to denote their intended action or the fact that they are a form of drug. Methadone was first synthesized in Germany during World War II, originally conceived as a substitute for morphine, which was in short supply. Its analgesic properties were recognized soon after, leading to its adoption in various medical fields, particularly in the treatment of pain and opioid addiction. The drug gained significant prominence in the 1960s as part of the effort to combat the growing heroin epidemic, and it has since been established as a standard treatment for opiate dependence. However, concerns about its potential for addiction and overdose have also emerged, leading to ongoing discussions and research regarding its benefits and risks.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #19,901, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 19898 conceding
- 19899 perpendicularly
- 19900 meddling
- 19901 methadone
- 19902 harmonized
- 19903 lavished
- 19904 endoscopic
- ...