Meridian has not been spared from the recent opioid epidemic. People from all walks of life are affected.

Addiction to opioids may happen even when medications are used as prescribed. Once addicted, the addict is trapped by painful withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, and the addiction takes over.

Stabilizing medications such as methadone, Suboxone or Vivitrol allow opioid addicts to escape this trap. When optimally dosed on methadone, craving subsides, use of other drugs is eliminated and overall functioning improves. Research and surveillance studies also show a reduction in crime, unemployment and associated medical problems.

There is strong negative stigma toward the use of methadone in the treatment of opioid addiction. Many alcohol and drug counselors reject the use of methadone and unfortunately see this as “replacing one drug with another.” Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an opioid addiction treatment approach that combines behavioral counseling with stabilizing medication and has substantial research and clinical support. To achieve abstinence, many opioid addicts require a long period of stabilization with the help of the treatment team. While there are options other than methadone for MAT (specifically Suboxone and Vivitrol), some don’t do well with these yet are stabilized on methadone.

While on methadone, addicts receive individual, group, and family counseling. The treatment team also supports and facilitates access to social services, physical and mental health treatment and the use of 12-step or similar recovery groups.

Here’s why stabilization is necessary. Exposure to opioids (Lortab, Percocet, heroin and others) disturbs the delicate balance of the natural opioid system in the body. The body controls the production of these internal opioids in a manner similar to a household thermostat. Longstanding use of pain pills or heroin damages this “thermostat.” As a result, the body is unable to produce enough natural opioids to meet the demand.

Opioid addicts abstaining from opioids will often report never feeling well, even after months of abstinence. They may experience lingering depression, low motivation and concentration, and continued cravings. Within one year, 85% – 95% will relapse. Conversely, those who are addicted to drugs such as amphetamines, alcohol, or cocaine, often report feeling progressively better after stopping their drug use.

While 40%-60% of those without addiction to opioids may relapse within one year, many achieve sobriety. But for those with opioid addiction there is another concern. Statistically, opioid addicts who relapse after a period of abstinence are at great risk of overdose and death. Addicts develop a tolerance to the euphoric effects of opioids – but not to respiratory depression – and that tolerance is lost during a period of abstinence. A relapse after a period of abstinence may be deadly. MAT helps to reduce that risk.

So why does Meridian need a methadone clinic? To save lives, help heal families, allow addicts to resume their normal lives, and provide a healthy, proven avenue for recovery.

Elizabeth C. Henderson, MD, LFAPA, FASAM, is a resident of Hickory.