Medication an Effective Tool in Fighting Addiction

The Commonwealth is in the midst of an opioid epidemic and, commendably, many have mobilized in an attempt to stymie it. Governor Deval Patrick pledged $20 million for addiction treatment and recovery services after at least 185 residents died from heroin overdoses during a recent four-month span. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh proposed a new Office of Recovery Services to strengthen coordination and collaboration among health care providers. Families affected by opioid addiction, led by such stalwart organizations as Learn to Cope, have clamored for additional residential treatment beds for their loved ones.

With all of these undoubtedly well-meaning efforts ongoing, however, it is shocking to see these groups — patients, their families, and government officials — overlook treatments that have been proven to work.