Other studies have noted that methadone in the liquid form, more often seen in methadone clinics for opiate addicts, are not as frequently diverted as the pill form used for treatment of pain, so that the pill form is the greater cause of OD.

I don't know when this starting happening - maybe when Purdue Pharma., the makers of OxyContin started "pushing" their highly addictive pain meds. on the general public back in 1996, lying about their addictiveness - and the FDA and doctors actually believing it!!!! All the other pain killer manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon and have flooded communities with their deadly drugs ALL FOR THE MONEY!! We are losing a part of an entire generation of our young people because of these drugs and their legal "pushers". We must stop this madness, and stop accepting these drugs from doctors. We are creating the demand for these drugs and we are the ones who must stop it - they DON"T CARE - don't expect them to protect your kids. Hit them where it hurts - in their pockets - maybe then, they will get the message that we don't want your deadly drugs - develop better, non addictive pain meds. or go out of business!!

Methadone clinics are not the answer, a waste of tax payer dollars. In Pa. the addict is given a $90. gas card to get to the clinic? No one gives me a gas card to go to work?

I believe methadone treatment is not the correct treatment approach for the majority of opiate-addicted individuals. Methadone has a history of abuse and overdose. I bekieve the solution to this problem is Suboxone. From my experience in the field of addictions/mental health, Suboxone has been the best approach for treating opiate addiction. Its dual action in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and blocking opiate use can be extremely beneficial in early recovery. In addition, there is a 50mg therapeutic window which will prevent abuse or overdose, and the ideal treatment duration is six months which eliminates years of maintenance.

i WAS addicted to methadone and dont see it as a maintenance drug, however suboxone has been a lifesaver to me

Bonnie, coming from a pain pill addict that went on suboxone I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU are problems are also the drug dealer doctors that prescribe pain meds way too easy

Laurro - You are absolutely right about the doctors and their "contribution" to the opioid addiction epidemic raging in this country. I am so glad to hear that you are recovering from this horrible, deadly addiction with the help of Suboxone - a drug some of the members in my support group swear by, because it has helped their kids tremendously. We are not big supporters of Methadone, since now that it is also being overprescribed as a pain killer, it is more dangerous than any of the others. We are launching our own little campaign in our town - going to the doctor's offices with literature and info. so that they will finally be made aware of what is happening in their own communities. I can only hope that it is simply ignorance, and not greed and apathy that is driving them to overprescribe these drugs to adolescents and others without warning them of the deadly consequences of using these drugs, or even having them in their house. Whatever their reason, it is high time that WE educate THEM, so as to protect our kids and ourselves from addiction to these drugs.

Excellent idea Bonnie on taking the literature and information into the Doctor's offices. We should spread this news as an example as well as applaud your town. I say we should follow through with the phamacy's any and all clinics. Great job and thank you for all of your efforts on the awareness of methadone a deadly/dangerous drug. Thank you Laurro for your honesty and letting others know there are other alternaltives. I believe Laurro you saved your own life by the decision you made.

Hi Gene The government has said that the liquid is not the cause of the overdoses but they have also said there is a 70% unknown in where the deaths have come from and that they cannot prove that the majority of deaths do not come from clinics. Methadone is now the #2 killer drug in the US, killing more then heroin and 2nd to cocaine deaths www.harmd.org Helping America Reduce Methadone Deaths

What you people from the anti MAT 'complicated grief'crew fail to realize is in most states patients have to pay for their own methadone from $91 to $150 per week each. Suboxone does not work for everyone neither does methadone /they are not a 1 size dose fits all drug. 99% of people in Treatment get on with their lives ever thought of following the idea?

I hope everyone supporting suboxone and advocating against methadone recognizes the addictive and abused nature of suboxone which is much easier to get from doctors for resale, easily abused, easily misused, and still a maintenance drug. Those using suboxone let me know when you have 8 years clean before advocating against a treatment that HAS SAVED LIVES. I am a recovering IV using heroin addict 8 years clean, BS psychology and premed. I have worked for both methadone clinics and suboxone clinics. Abuse of other prescription medications like XANAX (now overprescribed by doctors for anxiety) are why there increase in OD in methadone doses. Do the research and you will note a similar epidemic in 1977 with the over prescription of valium and darvacet (shorter acting benzo mixed with an opiate-derivative similar to methadone in properties)

I've been off painkillers since July '08. I recently got laid off from my job. I lost my children behind these pills. If any one can help my prsciption for suboxone, they have no idea what a relief that would be. I would be deeply grateful . My e-mail is nellie0709@aol.com my phone is (405)308-5861. I don't want any cash you could deal with just the phamarcy. Please I need some help.

Amanda & others. Manufacturer of Suboxone - Reckitt Benckiser has an underpublicised Rx assistance program that is limited to 2 or 3 patients per prescribing Dr depending on their census. Contact phone number is (866)512-2216

There should be no fight between the efficacy of methadone and buprenorphine. Theer are good reasons for using one or the other. Some people can do well on buprenorphine which has a ceiling limit at around 32 mg. Othere, for whom buprenorphine does not work due to its inherent limitation need methadone. Price is still a major consideration. So is the freedom offered by Buprenorphine which usually does not require daily visits to a clinic.