Addiction Recovery

Methadone substitution and other treatment programs can enable former heroin addicts to make something of their lives, but some critics claim that methadone treatment merely exchanges one addiction for another. Even proponents have mixed feelings.

Drug treatment organizations often receive complaints from neighbors when they propose opening a new methadone clinic. Residents may say that although they respect the work the organization is doing, they don't want drug addicts hanging around near their homes.

Some other programs intended to help drug addicts are even more controversial. These “harm-reduction” programs focus on reducing the likelihood of overdose and other risks associated with heroin use. One tactic is offering syringe and needle exchanges, in which an addict can confidentially trade used syringes and needles for sterile ones. Needle-exchange programs have been shown to reduce the transmission of HIV and other diseases among drug users. Harm-reduction programs also educate participants on minimizing risk when using heroin and may teach how to recognize and respond to an overdose. Some states and communities operate harm-reduction programs, although the federal government does not. Opponents of harm-reduction programs allege that such measures condone drug use and that addicts should instead be punished for illegal drug activity.