Suzanne Thistle

Initially, we had abstinence as the go-to for celebrating sobriety. Overdose rates were extremely low, and people thrived in their newfound recovery from their substance. Very few physicians would work with people struggling with addiction and were referring them to counselors.

But then, all of a sudden, doctors started writing prescriptions for methadone as drugs began pouring into the streets. They hoped to curb the appetite of folks preoccupied with using drugs. The problem got worse. Doctors were prescribing more and more medication. They tell people, "If you become abstinent and go back and use drugs, you might die." With that attitude, you should never stop using the medication they're prescribing. Consider the implications.

This session with help you Learn when medication is necessary and when it is not. You'll define ways to help the addicted person with their health detriments by supporting their abstinent-based sobriety. You'll also describe ways other treatment facilities help people thrive without medication.