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About Peter L.
Expertise
I am available to answer any questions about substance use, abuse, and dependence. I can also offer perspective on treatment options and how to motivate someone to get help. I have over 25 years of experience as a substance abuse treatment professional, working with adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings. I feel I can answer just about any question in this topic area but can also access reference sources, or direct you to these for additional information gathering or education on your own.

Experience
I am a professional addictions counselor working in a very highly respected treatment center, as well as having a private practice in two states.

Education/Credentials
Masters Degree in Behavioral Science Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Also an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

You are here: Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Addiction to Drugs > Methadone

Addiction to Drugs - Methadone

Expert: Peter L. - 11/4/2009

Question
My friend has been sober from heroin for two years (in jail).
She is getting out in two months. She said she is afraid of using again and said she wants to go on Methadone for a while.
Is this a good idea?

Answer
I would first advise her to get some relapse prevention counseling immediately after she gets out. That could be individual counseling or in a group. She could also enter an intensive outpatient treatment program if she has a lot of cravings that are threatening relapse. That's what she should do from the counseling end in my view, which is just as important, if not more so than the medication assistance you're speaking of. In that regard, she has two choices: Methadone or Suboxone. But, not being a recent user of opiates (heroin) she might not be considered appropriate for either. Nevertheless, if I were her I'd check out if she can be prescribed Suboxone. Methadone is a more heavy duty drug and very addictive. Also, it cannot be given by an independent physician, like Suboxone can. Methadone is dispensed (at least in my area of northeastern US) by a methadone program. Suboxone is overall an easier process and very effective with little of the downsides of Methadone.

Best,
Peter

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