Expanding access to Medication Assisted Treatment: The U.S. government’s response to the current heroin epidemic

ABSTRACT

The rates of heroin addiction and opiate overdoses have skyrocketed in America in the last decade. The government’s response is to expand the availability of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Because social workers can be expected to be a significant component of the workforce in providing MAT, MAT is relevant to social workers. Many social workers who are working in the area of addictions, particularly those engaged in 12 Step programs, do not hold favorable views of MAT. This article considers their objections and evaluates the validity of the basis for these objections. The rationale for the government’s approach is provided, and validity of the rationale for the MAT approach is evaluated. The “pros” and “cons” of methadone and buprenorphine are reviewed. The wisdom of the expansion of MAT for the individuals with addiction and the society is considered.

KEYWORDS:

• Buprenorphine
• heroin
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• methadone
• opiate epidemic
• opiates