HealthJuly 10, 2026
methadone
/ˈmɛθəˌdoʊn/
Definition
A synthetic medication used primarily as a long-term treatment for opioid use disorder to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Etymology
The name is a contraction of the German chemical name 'amidone', which was developed by German scientists during World War II. It was later modified and introduced into English usage as a pharmaceutical name for this specific synthetic opioid.
In the news
In the article, methadone is identified as a highly effective treatment for substance use disorders, with the author highlighting a significant racial disparity in its accessibility within Forsyth County.
Forsyth residents relying on crisis services for mental health, report shows
Read the full article ↗WFDD