Methadone Maintenance Treatment-Helpful or Harmful?

Replacement therapies tend to be the most controversial of all treatments for substance abuse and dependence. In particular, methadone maintenance has been the focus of much controversy and debate.

Mary was a chronic heroin user, but eventually she hit "rock bottom" and decided to get help. Mary goes to a methadone clinic every day to get her methadone dose for the day. She is happy to be sober from heroin. However, her family does not understand. They see that Mary is still taking a drug every day and view her as still being dependent.
Research the controversy of methadone maintenance treatment for heroin users.
Answer the following:

o In what ways is the treatment helpful or harmful? Provide response with references and provide examples

o Is this a successful treatment for heroin dependence? Why or why not? Again references here and provide a few examples
Utilize four to six quality references in the response

Write your initial response in 300-400 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Again, this area is fraught with ethical controversy! Is improved functioning a good enough reason to legally sanction use of a drug which may very well be causing some harm to its users? Carefully consider your input to this discussion. There is no absolute right or wrong answer which fits all situations. There is an interesting article on the subject of methadone tolerance, which you might find informative (Bakker &Fazey, 2006). Also, think about anyone you know personally who has received or is receiving methadone treatment. Be passionate about your discussions. Just keep it respectful and professional!