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Ways to Avoid the Stigma of Methadone Treatment
A stigma is a disgrace or judgment of character based off a behavior or characteristic. Stigmas are often unfounded and full of half-truths about a certain type of person. Methadone Treatment carries a very large stigma. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, many people believe that drug addiction is a moral choice and not a disease.
Why is there a Stigma Attached to Methadone Treatment?
There is a stigma attached to methadone treatment because it is often used to treat drug addiction, specifically addiction to opiates. Many people assume that someone on methadone is an immoral person who does not have the willpower to stop using drugs. This is not true. Methadone is used by people who are in chronic pain due to arthritis, bone disorders, certain cancers, and other diseases which includes addiction to opiates and opioids.
How can you Avoid the Stigma of Methadone Treatment?
Your friends and family may judge you for being on methadone.
Unfortunately, It is extremely difficult to avoid the stigma of addiction and methadone treatment. Most people who take methadone know this. The ways to avoid it involve:
- Talking to people realistically about the methadone treatment.
- Explain to those who need an explanation, why you are choosing to take methadone.
- Make sure that you understand what telling people about the methadone treatment means.
o Some people lose their jobs when their work find out about methadone treatment.
o Some people do not get a job because they disclosed methadone treatment.
o Some people find that their friends and family pass judgment on them when they disclose their treatment.
o Some people find acceptance and support when they disclose their methadone treatment.
- Correct wrong assumptions as people make them.
- Recognize the assumptions that people make about methadone.
o People assume that methadone treatment equals drug addict.
o People assume that methadone treatment is addictive itself.
o People assume that methadone treatment means that you are poor.
o Methadone treatment is wrongly portrayed in the media.
o Many people mistake methadone for methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant that is highly addictive.
o People believe everything they hear about methadone clinics and drug addiction.
Unless you choose to become a methadone advocate and speak out about how methadone maintenance treatment is unfairly judged, consider keeping your methadone treatment as private as possible. The only way to truly correct the stigma behind methadone treatment is to correct the media, the newspapers, magazine stories, and how methadone is portrayed in movies and on TV.
How the Stigma of Methadone Keeps People from Treatment, and What We Should Do
Methadone has a long history of being associated with the treatment of heroin addictions and the stereotyped perceptions and consequences …
It is okay to choose another treatment method. There are others available if you do not want to go to a methadone clinic daily. If you need to, do not avoid methadone because of the stigma. It treats both chronic pain and addiction.
There is help available. There is no reason why you have to deal with chronic pain and opiate addiction on your own. We can help you find a private methadone treatment clinic. Call us at 800-994-1867Who Answers?. We can find you the treatment that you need.