That example would probably be called a vicious cycle, rather than a virtuous one. ;)
And it is virtuous from the perspective of those entities profiting from the above cycle...
Definitely can from methadone especially mixed with a benzo
for sure people sell it but they're going to use with or without it.
studies have shown that those who don't get long time sober and do replacement therapy on and off nonetheless have longer periods of abstinence and lower death time frames (not sure how to phrase that they dont die as much/soon)
in a lot of ways it would be safer. clean, known dose, less theft to pay for drugs, less violence no cartels
buprenorphine + naloxone is nothing like methadone
suboxone has few to none of the externalities of methadone
just in general with drugs and treatment we would be so much better off if those who force their personal values upon others had some sympathy and compassion
Buprenorphine has saved my life and I wish everyone could have access to it and that it would be provided for free. Pay for it from grabbing back cash from the Sackler's.
I'm surprised in the article the phrase 'less than half' which sounds like it's on the higher end towards 50.
I would have guessed much lower. I can't find a great source but this has some numbers [1]. Says only 36% of rehabs have access to at least one replacement therapy.
And that's people who can access rehab...
To be able to prescribe Suboxone - from what my Dr. has told me - MDs have to have a specific DEA certificate. And they limit the number of patients one single Dr. can treat at a few hundred.
In my state there aren't many prescribers - not nearly enough for the number of addicts. And I live in a liberal state.
It's easier for Drs to dole out opiates than prescribe buprenorphine.
We can also learn from Portugal in more community and healthcare intervention.
The big problem here to get there is that DAs, sheriffs, mayors are elected and there are 50 states. We will need to shift public opinion everywhere to make meaningful progress outside of big cities. Plus with Barr's Justice Department catholic radicalization who knows what happens if they get another 4 years.
It's gross that in America those who are poor, BIPOC, are far more likely to have their lives ruined by unequal drug prosecutions.
If we ever start treating addiction not prosecuting it, I hope we'll do better than marijuana and clear old records/convictions for small drug possession.
https://nam.edu/improving-access-to-evidence-based-medical-t...