Great article but missing some key elements: (1) People need to know that buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone have been proven by multiple studies to reduce the risk of relapses by a factor of 2-3 (1/2 to 2/3 of those prescribed these drugs suffer relapses compared to those who do not take these drugs). (2) If Narcotics Anonymous (NA) leadership and members stopped stigmatizing those who pursue prescriptions of Suboxone or methadone, more would do so and lives would be saved.
(3) If more owners and mangers of sober-living homes provided support for those with prescriptions for these proven drugs, more would do so and lives would be saved.
(4) Doctors need to overcome stigmas as well and negative experiences of patients who have abused these drugs. Doctors should adhere to scientifically proven best medical practices and focus on saving more lives.
5) Doctors who treat the addicted incur more costs and make less income than those who do not. This sacrifice is made worse by regulations of those who prescribe these live-saving drugs. De-regulation is needed so more doctors are encouraged to use best medical practices and save more lives.