I have a friend who's son is taking methadone, and isn't working, and my friend is having to pay for the methadone for him, and she can't afford it, and her son tells her he has to be on it the rest of his life, so I thought I might ask and find out from someone that is knowledgeable on the matter if someone does have to be on it the rest of their lives once they start it.

Definitely not. They can be weaned off the methadone successfully. Sonny is just telling his mom that because he still is getting high from the methadone and doesn't want to change. Have mom contact where sonny is getting treated and have her speak to them herself.