Liquid Cocaine

March 3, 2010

On Writing Wednesdays we have been workshopping our short stories. There is one story about a marriage that is broken by the husband who becomes addicted to cocaine. The story takes place in a treatment centre, where the character is undergoing methadone treatment. As someone who has worked in social services, sometime having to deal with substance abuse issues, I have always known methadone as an opiate substitute to treat heroin. I made this comment during the workshop and the author defended that her story was based on reality and the addict was treated with liquid meth. So, today’s question is: can methadone be used as a cocaine addiction treatment?

A: Well shut my mouth!

A number of studies have confirmed that methadone can effectively be used to treat cocaine addiction, although it is primarily an opiate treatment. According to one study conducted at the University of Guelph, methadone can “reset” the brain back to a pattern before cocaine use and diminishes the urge to use. Additional studies have been conducted in Britain and Australia; both reports have shown a decrease in cocaine use with trail participants.. In a small study in the behavioural science department of the University of Kentucky, seven cocaine-dependent patients were treated with dexamphetamine maintenance, and then given cocaine in the lab. The results showed that the effects of cocaine were blunted.

None of the research believes that methadone treatment is a panacea or that it will be one hundred percent effective, however it remains a good option for those suffering with cocaine addiction. Additionally, individuals would need to combine methadone treatment with social supports and cognitive therapy, to curb their desire for cocaine.

Sources:
Ottawa Citizen. Heroin Treatment Also Works on Cocaine: Study. November 24, 2008
Time Magazine. Can Amphetamines Help Cure Cocaine Addiction? Maia Szalavitz. December 8, 2008