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Chapter 1

Methadone Treatment - A Broad Perspective

Donald Avoy, M.D.

Introduction

Why would anyone want to learn about methadone? And, by the way,
what is methadone? The word immediately conjures up dark images
of depraved persons, perhaps fiends, receiving some dangerous
material which they substitute for heroin. Professionals in the
criminal justice system have viewed it with suspicion for forty years.
It is poorly understood by most medical professionals. It is looked on
with despair by the families of persons taking it. The general public is
only vaguely acquainted with it.

This discussion is intended for persons in all the above categories in
the hope that by better understanding addiction and its treatment, they
will better understand the very important role methadone plays in the
treatment of some kinds of addiction. Perhaps they might also have
more understanding and compassion for those who are struggling with
the formidable power of addiction.