Category

Depressant

Also known as

Meth, Linctus

What it looks like and how it's taken

Comes as a green, amber or blue mixture liquid, or as white tablets. Usually swallowed.

Immediate effects

Effects similar to heroin, although less intense but longer acting.

Risks

Short term: Drug overdose, possibly leading to coma or death, if taken by someone not used to the drug. Methadone should only be taken as part of a prescribed and supervised programme to treat addiction to opiate drugs, especially heroin.

Long term: Methadone can be addictive, and it should never be given or sold to someone else.

Legal status

If possessed without a prescription or supplied illegally, classified as Class A.

Learn more about drugs and the law.