For decades, studies have supported the view that opioid addiction is a medical disorder that can be treated effectively with medications (such as methadone or buprenorphine) administered under conditions consistent with their pharmacological efficacy, when treatment includes comprehensive services, such as psychosocial counseling, treatment for co-occuring disorders, medical services, vocational rehabilitation services, and case management services (e.g., Dole and Nyswander 1967; McLellan et al. 1993), ALL of which are typically offered and available in Opioid Treatment Programs (“methadone clinics”). Similar to patients with other chronic disorders (like diabetes, hypertension and asthma), many who are opioid addicted have been found to respond best to treatment that combines pharmacological AND behavioral interventions. The RELAPSE rates for “in-patient treatment with actual withdrawal” (abstinence-only based treatment for opioid addiction) is GREATER than 90%, while the relapse rate for Methadone Maintenance Treatment is LESS than 30%. The data & research, in addition to the medical science, are clear.

One can only wonder what evidence Dan Tanner, previous commenter in this feed, relied when he expressed the belief that “They [Methadone Treatment Clinics] do no good whatsoever.” His opinion is diametrically opposite to that voiced for many years by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, as well as the Institute of Medicine, WHO, and countless governmental, clinical and academic authorities throughout the world. Of course, all forms of treatment that offer help and hope should be supported to the greatest extent possible, whether they are abstinence-based or utilize medication, residential or outpatient, short-term or extending for months or years. However, cost, accessibility and affordability put most non-methadone treatment out of the reach of the vast majority of opiate-dependent individuals. Accordingly, rejecting maintenance treatment means abandonment for most who want and could benefit greatly from help. And abandonment, in turn, not only can mean a death sentence for those dependent on drugs, but is a policy whose costs are borne by every member of the community.

It’s time we accept the reality that “just say no” is not an effective policy in dealing with medical and social problems.

Only in-patient treatment with actual withdrawal (which no addict ever wants to repeat!) works.