What is a common misconception regarding methadone use?

A common misconception regarding methadone use is that it is safer than heroin when injected. While methadone is used as a medication in the treatment of opioid dependence and can stabilize individuals during recovery, it is still a powerful opioid. Misunderstanding its relative safety compared to heroin can lead individuals to underestimate the risks associated with its use, especially in terms of potential overdose and the dangers of injecting any opioid.

Methadone's effectiveness as a treatment for opioid addiction is often misunderstood, leading to confusion about its properties. It can indeed offer pain relief and is beneficial in opioid dependence treatment, but this does not imply it is safe to inject without risk. Users may incorrectly believe that because methadone is a medically supervised treatment, it carries no significant risks or harms associated with injection use. However, injecting any opioid can lead to serious health risks, including overdose and complications related to injection practices.