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.

Using your textbook and the Argosy University online library resources, research the controversy of methadone maintenance treatment for heroin users.

Answer the following:

• In what ways is the treatment helpful or harmful?
• Is this a successful treatment for heroin dependence? Why or why not?

Write your initial response in 150–200 words.