The use of methadone in heroin addiction treatment therapies has long been controversial. While it has been shown effective in weaning addicts off of the deadly drug, experts have also warned about the potential for misuse and abuse.

However, a recent study by British researchers may have found a solution to the problem. There review of data from methadone clinics in Scotland found that deaths from overdosing on methadone decreased when the substitute treatment was administered in a more controlled, supervised setting.

Additionally, successful methadone treatment was shown to reduce the overall number of deaths among heroin addicts. Users of the drug often experience many health complications and have a higher rate of death compared to individuals who abuse other drugs.

Researchers told Medical News Today that the findings show how effective supervised treatment with methadone can be. The practice prevents addicts from stockpiling the medication, which greatly reduces some of the more common complications associated with methadone treatment.

They added that they hope their findings will contribute to greater acceptance of the treatment strategy at rehab facilities.