Therapeutic effects of methadone and 1-alpha-acetylmethadol.

Many heroin addicts prefer methadone maintenance treatment to 1-alpha-acetylmethadol(LAAM) because of the "rush-like" effect of methadone. Although there have been no observable differences in the safety and effectiveness of the two drugs, LAAM appears to lead to a more stable, consistent physiological state. The authors report on two patients who had ego defects characterized by severe mood swings. Both patients preferred LAAM to methadone because of its stabilizing effect and smoother action.