Methadone is commonly used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for opioid dependence, including addiction to heroin or prescription opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone. It helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to stabilize their lives and engage in rehabilitation and recovery efforts. Methadone is a long-acting opioid, meaning it has a prolonged duration of action compared to shorter-acting opioids like heroin or oxycodone. This characteristic allows for once-daily dosing in most cases.