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(her) self from the prison of opiate addiction--that same person who
made a very bad decision at some point in his life, and followed it up
with a long series of bad decisions that led him down the pathway to
self-destruction. But, it's not only self-destruction. Heroin and other
such addictions destroy relationships, and families, including innocent
children. The decision to commit to the long, arduous path to recovery
is the beginning of the way back.

There are many responsible ways to seek recovery, and methadone is
only one of them. For many reasons it doesn't work for all who try it.
The programs are rigid and demanding and the stigma of methadone
treatment is a heavy burden to live with. But for some, it is the door
they can pass through on the way to reconstructing their lives and
embracing the relationships and responsibilities which lead to the
gratification that makes our time on this planet worthwhile. The
counseling and support provided by well-run programs is critical in
helping people learn how to live in the straight world they have been
at odds with for so long.

There are at least two things that need improvement. One is access to
treatment for everyone who seeks it. The second is wider
understanding and compassion for those who still suffer from this
affliction. Hopefully, this discussion will be a part of that process.

Methadone has now been successfully used in opiate treatment
programs for forty years. The strategy and the patients who have been
successful in it have earned more respect than they currently receive.

References

Dole, Vincent, P. Implications of Methadone Maintenance for
theories of Narcotic Addiction; JAMA 1988, 260:3025-3029

Nestler, E.M., Aghajanian, G.K. Molecular and Cellular Basis of
Addiction; Science, 1997; 278:58-63

Kreek, M.J., Koob, G.F. Drug dependence; stress and dysregulation of
brain reward pathways; Drug and Alcohol Dependence 1998; 23-47