The Drug-Free Treatment Debate

The treatment of opioid addiction can be controversial, particularly since the introduction of methadone in the ’60s and ’70s, giving rise to questions about using drugs to treat drug addiction. Some staunch 12-steppers refused to recognize medication-assisted opioid treatment programs, saying if you’re still taking a drug then you’re not really in recovery, while others insisted recovery wouldn’t be possible at all without methadone maintenance therapy or other forms of medication-assisted treatment.

Behavioral Health Central (www.behavioralhealthcentral.com) recently reported, though, that the divide is narrowing between these two camps.

“Early on, as methadone treatment expanded and developed, the recovery community and particularly the 12-step community had a philosophy of total abstinence … But I believe that has changed over time,” says Ira Marion, Director of Government Relations for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, which operates a large Community Mental Health Center that treats more than 3,250 patients for opioid addiction.

Marion also points out that this support from the recovery community is critical because methadone treatment is designed to work in combination with counseling and support group attendance so if those undergoing methadone treatment don’t feel welcome at support groups, which hinders their chances of long-term recovery.

Treatment is More than Meds

Taking methadone does not, in and of itself constitute recovery,” Marion explains. “People need to change the way they live their lives. If you continue to live a life of deceit and lies and addiction to other drugs or alcohol, you’re not in recovery simply because you may participate in a methadone program.”

While the 12 Traditions under which Narcotics Anonymous operates forbid the group from holding or expressing positions publicly on outside issues, reps say they’ve noticed a softening of attitudes in recent years towards members who may be using methadone therapy.

Marion adds that robust support, research, outreach and education efforts by government agencies and advocacy organizations have also played key roles in helping change attitudes, both within the recovery community itself and in society at large. The next step is to work together on better educating the medical community and society as a whole.

Opiate Rehab Center

If you or someone you love is in need of an opiate rehab center, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.