Methadone is an opiate agonist, which has a series of actions similar to those of morphine and other narcotic medications. When taken on a daily basis (every 24 to 36 hours), it eliminates physical withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, when you are an effective dose level, you no longer have cravings for opioids, and if you do use, methadone blocks the euphoric effect of opioid abuse. The objectives of methadone maintenance treatment follow from this orientation: to improve function, lessen symptoms and discomfort, and lower the rate of mortality associated with addiction