Why do I need to know the difference between these?
Understanding the difference between physical dependence and opiate drug addiction is key to understanding how methadone can be used as treatment.

Methadone is an opiate drug that results in a physical dependence when taken regularly. But methadone does not produce any intoxication or high. As a result, it does not fuel addiction.

This unique property of methadone allows for a client in treatment to recover from the symptoms of active addiction while they remain physically dependent on this opiate drug. In this way, methadone provides a foundation and opportunity for recovery.