German scientists synthesized methadone during World War II because of a shortage
of morphine. Although chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone produces
many of the same effects. It was introduced into the United States in 1947 as an
analgesic (Dolophine®). Today, methadone is primarily used for the treatment of
narcotic addiction, although a growing number of prescriptions are being written for
chronic pain management. It is available in oral solutions, tablets, and injectable
Schedule II formulations.

Methadone's effects can last up to 24 hours, thereby permitting once-a-day oral
administration in heroin detoxification and maintenance programs. High-dose
methadone can block the effects of heroin, thereby discouraging the continued use of
heroin by addicts in treatment. Chronic administration of methadone results in the
development of tolerance and dependence. The withdrawal syndrome develops more
slowly and is less severe, but more prolonged than that associated with heroin
withdrawal. Ironically, methadone used to control narcotic addiction is encountered on
the illicit market. Recent increases in the use of methadone for pain management have
been associated with increasing numbers of overdose deaths.

Closely related to methadone, the synthetic compound levo alphacetylmethadol, or
LAAM (ORLMM®), has an even longer duration of action (from 48 to 72 hours) than
methadone, permitting a reduction in frequency of use. In 1994, it was approved as a
Schedule II treatment drug for narcotic addiction. Both methadone and LAAM have
high abuse potential. Their acceptability as narcotic treatment drugs is predicated upon
their ability to substitute for heroin, the long duration of action, and their mode of oral
administration. Recent data regarding cardiovascular toxicity of LAAM has limited the
use of this drug as a first-line therapy for addiction treatment.

This drug is a semi-synthetic narcotic derived from thebaine. Buprenorphine was
initially marketed in the United States as an analgesic (Buprenex®). In 2002, two new
products (Suboxone® and Subutex®) were approved for the treatment of narcotic
addiction. Like methadone and LAAM, buprenorphine is potent (30 to 50 times the
analgesic potency of morphine), has a long duration of action, and does not need to be
injected. Unlike the other treatment drugs, buprenorphine produces far less respiratory
depression and is thought to be safer in overdose. All buprenorphine products are
currently in Schedule III of the CSA.
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Law Office of Houston, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Andy Nolen
About Houston Drug Possession Defense Attorney Andy Nolen,
Attorney Andy Nolem Case results from the Harris County, Texas Criminal Courthouse
Houston Criminal Court Process
Houston, Harris County, Texas, Federal Resouces and Links
Inhalant abuse is a frightening trend with Houston youth
Methamphetamine related theft dispels the notion of a victimless crime
Typical effects of smoking marijuana
Steroid Use has continued to grow
Hydrocodone, the most widely abused drug in Houston, Texas
PCP, often called
Ecstact, termed a CLUB DRUG due to its use at raves and nightclubs
Alcohol is the most common form of addiction
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50 Drug Profiles
Houston Criminal Lawyer Andy Nolen  can protect your rights,
ensure you receive fair treatment, and make a tremendous difference
in your case and how it will affect you for the rest of your life.

As an attorney, Andy Nolen's philosophy is grounded in the strong
belief that his clients should be fully informed about every aspect of
their case as it progresses.

You need a good attorney who will prepare your case thoroughly and
who will make a strong and reasonable presentation to the court.

Being charged with any crime is a frightening experience. This is
especially true for a person who has never had contact with the
criminal justice system before.

Suddenly, you find yourself thrust into a world you never imagined
you would be a part of, and subjected to indignities you never
thought you would experience.

The stress of being the subject of an investigation or the trauma of
being arrested and booked into a jail can truly be overwhelming. For
some people, the experience is so traumatic that it even makes them
question their most basic assumptions about what kind of person
they are.

Fortunately, being arrested or charged with a crime is not the end of
the world.
Houston defense  lawyer,  Attorney Andy Nolen,  represents people who have been accused of a state crime or Houston  law, including in communities such as League City, Angleton, Pearland, Alvin, Clear Lake, Sugar
Land, The Woodlands, Baytown, Pasadena, Memorial, Spring Branch, River Oaks, West University, and Bellaire.   Counties that Houston criminal attorney Andy Nolen serves include:  Galveston County • Fort Bend
County • Montgomery County • Brazoria County • Harris County.  Cases handled include: Possession of Marijuana, Cocaine, Crystal Methamphetamine, Xanax, Prescription Drugs, Probation Violations, Theft, Shoplifting,
Drunk Driving, Evading Arrest, and all other Felonies and Misdemeanors.
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713-697-4373
TOLL FREE  1-(866)-454-7312
Principal Office 2016 Main St. #808 Houston, Texas 77002
Houston Drug Defense Attorney Andy Nolen
17 YEARS COURTROOM EXPERIENCE HELPING HOUSTONIANS
ANDY NOLEN HOUSTON CRIMINAL LAWYER
OVER 17 YEARS  CRIMINAL LAW EXPERIENCE
LICENSED IN BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL COURT
Houston Drug Defense Attorney Andy Nolen uses the Best in Defense Lawyers tactics to obtain the Top result for his clients.
Drug possession, intent to deliver, manufacture of a controlled substance, whether a felony or misdemeanor, drug cases require an experienced Drug Case Defense Attorney.