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Methadone is primarily utilized as a replacement therapy for heroin dependence and other opioid use disorders. This use is part of a comprehensive treatment approach called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. Methadone assists in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid dependence, enabling individuals to stabilize their lives while working towards recovery.

While methadone can have analgesic properties and is sometimes used as a pain reliever, its primary function in the context of addiction treatment remains focused on providing a safer alternative to illicit opioids. It does not have a role in treating schizophrenia or in suppressing appetite, which are not relevant to its therapeutic applications in addiction treatment. Thus, its designation as a replacement therapy is central to understanding its role in the management of opioid dependency.