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Methadone use has a number of side-effects such as constipation, sweating, loss of libido, sleep disturbance, weight gain, dental problems, vomiting, and serious bowel problems. While most of the side-effects are reduced or managed by controlled prescription, they can occasionally be severe enough to affect a person's health sufficiently for him to discontinue treatment (Withers, 1999)
One of the 'advantages' of methadone, i.e., it blocks the euphoric high of heroin can also become a disadvantage at times, as many addicts under methadone treatment miss the 'high' of heroin and could overdose themselves for the sake of experiencing the euphoria.
Methadone is a long-acting opioid. In other words, its effect in the body remains for up to 36 hours. This makes it difficult for patients under methadone treatment, desirous of becoming completely drug-free, to kick their methadone habit. According to some, it is far more difficult to kick the methadone habit as compared to heroin ("Methadone and Methadone Addiction," 2005) Withdrawal symptoms of methadone are similar to that of other opiates and may include nervousness, muscle contractions,...
While the withdrawal symptoms of methadone may be less severe than that of heroin, they last much longer -- for 3 to 6 weeks as compared to about 4 days for heroin (Ibid.; Withers 1999).
References
Methadone & Methadone Addiction." (2005). Narconon of Oklahoma. Retrieved on November 26, 2007 at http://www.heroinaddiction.com/heroin_methadone.html
Methadone: Fact Sheet." (2000). Office of National Drug Control Policy. April 2000. Retrieved on November 26, 2007 at http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/methadone/index.html
Whithers, R. (1999). "Methadone Treatment: Relief from heroin addiction." Heroin Addiction: An Addict's View. Retrieved on November 26, 2007 at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/9740/methadone.html
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But despite this medicinal veneer, methadone is "increasingly being abused by recreational drug users and is causing an alarming increase in overdoses and deaths" (Belluck 2003). Heroin and prescription opium abusers are turning to methadone often with alcohol or other drugs. They buy the drug illegally on the street -- often it is sold by addicts who have been able to obtain a large supply, though fair or foul means.