Long-term effects

Methadone doesn't damage your:

Heart

Liver but see  (what is) if you may have liver damage

Brain

Bones

Reproductive system

Immune system.

It is true to say that methadone, even if taken for years, causes no direct physical damage and is usually much healthier than being dependent on illicit opiates. t However being (constipated for long periods (,in cause problems in later life and....

Methadone I mg/I ml attacks your teeth because:

Methadone can restrict the production of saliva which is one of the body's natural defences against plaque.

if you are prescribed methadone that is not sugarfree it will be:

50% syrup which causes the growth of plaque the commonest cause of tooth decay.

Apart from finding a good dentist (your drug agency should be able to put you in touch with one) and regular dental care, it really helps to:

Cut sugary foods out of your diet

Drink your methadone through a straw

Clean your teeth straight after you take it - every time

Chew sugar-free gum

Rinse your mouth with water after you've takenmethadone.

But, in the end, methadone is no worse for your teeth than eating sweets or taking sugar in tea and coffee! And research has shown that the teeth of opiate users on methadone scripts are no worse than those of opiate users not on a script.