President of the AATOD Mark Parrino, says, "Numerous scientific studies and evidence-based practices have shown conclusively that methadone, buprenorphrine and other federally-approved opioids have proven to be successful treatment options when used appropriately in clinically-approved settings where medication is monitored by licensed professionals."
"However, the unsupervised use of methadone or other opioids for pain management, obtained illegally or from physicians not specially trained in the use of these medicines, can result in the negative outcomes which surface in the headlines."
According to the AATOD, a "recent article in USA Today and numerous features in local and national media outlets have focused on the negative outcomes of the misuse of opioids by individuals who are not participating in supervised opioid treatment programs."
Dan McGill, AATOD Public Relations Committee Chair, explains, "The truth is that medication assisted treatment helps individuals end the cycle of addiction and its associated destructive behaviors - reuniting families and enabling patients to become independent and productive members of their communities." "AATOD encourages and welcomes inquiries from all media outlets to focus on the positive role of medication assisted treatment in the practice of medicine and treatment of addiction."
