Methadone used in opiate maintenance therapy was originally developed to help obliterate withdrawal symptoms and support a healthy lifestyle. However, the effects of withdrawal far exceed that of heroin which causes the individual to become addicted to it instead.
The number of current crack cocaine users in the U.S. in 2002 was about 567,000.
The U.S. first took action to control the distribution and use of heroin through the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914.
Taken orally once a day, methadone suppresses narcotic withdrawal for between 24 and 36 hours.