Playroom Podz
Playroom Podz
Methadone: A Cautionary Tale - Ep 10
Methadone: A Cautionary Tale - Ep 10
Methadone: A Cautionary Tale - Ep 10
Saturday 11th May 2019
Join Dr. Drew, Dr. Bruce Heischober, and Dr. Robert DuPont as they discuss Methadone Maintenance Therapy's benefits and risks in this compelling episode.
16 minutes
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Thought-provoking
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Navigating Alcohol Dependency
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Get the buttons here!Methadone Maintenance: Weighing the Benefits and Risks
The use of harm reduction strategies to control drug use rather than to end it goes to the very core of what it means to treat addiction.
Picture this: You're grappling with the opioid crisis, and methadone seems like a beacon of hope. But is it really the silver bullet? In this episode of 'Weekly Infusion', Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce Heischober bring in Dr. Robert DuPont, a former White House Drug Chief, to dissect Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT). Dr. DuPont dives into the history of methadone, highlighting the pioneering efforts of Dr. Marie Nyswander and Dr.
Vincent Dole, who were instrumental in establishing high-dose methadone as a treatment for opioid addiction. But it's not all smooth sailing. The conversation takes a hard look at harm reduction strategies, which aim to minimize the negative effects of drug use rather than eliminating it entirely. Dr. DuPont raises some eyebrows with his critique, suggesting that harm reduction might send mixed messages about addiction treatment. He argues for a more definitive approach focused on ending drug use altogether.
The discussion doesn't shy away from the darker side of MMT either. The addictive nature of methadone and its prolonged withdrawal symptoms are significant drawbacks that can't be ignored. Despite its potential, MMT isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and some individuals continue to struggle with addiction even while on the therapy. The episode also touches on the current opioid epidemic and the troubling trend of suboxone misuse among younger users.
With a mix of historical context, ethical debate, and real-world implications, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of addiction treatment.