From Narcotic to Normalizer: The Misperception of Methadone Treatment and the Persistence of Prejudice and Bias

ABSTRACT

This article concentrates on methadone maintenance as a normalizer for the impairments of opioid addiction, and the misunderstandings of it as a substitute for heroin that continues an opiate addiction. Methadone treatment was developed by Drs. Dole, Nyswander, and Kreek. Their cutting-edge theory transformed the way that opioid addiction is perceived and their work changed methadone from a narcotic to withdraw addicts to a medication that is a maintenance normalizer for a chronic condition. Their extensive research involved the physiological and sociological normalizing effects of methadone and medical safety of the medication (Dole & Nyswander, 1967).

KEYWORDS:

• Metabolic theory
• methadone treatment
• narcotic blockade
• prejudice
• substituting one addiction for another

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Notes

1 While methadone and buprenorphine will block opioids, there is concern about their ability to block fentanyl and its various analogues. No tests have been undertaken. Typical doses of methadone and buprenorphine should provide some protection but has not been confirmed.