Letters | Doctors must learn that addiction is a long-lasting illness


August 16, 2011 · 1:48 PM

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

So this is where we are today (Breaking the cycle, July 27) Many (opiate addiction) patients are on Suboxone (buprenorphine) and doing well in treatment. The advantage of office-based treatment with a monthly prescription is, for many patients, truly an advantage over attending a methadone clinic.

But the failure to realize the dangers of stopping treatment, methadone or buprenorphine, seems to be something of an epidemic problem. Here, the doctor views the patient a “success” and is willing to stop treatment and risk the possible return to a life threatening addiction using street opiates.

It will take time and bitter disappointments for new doctors in the field to realize they are treating a chronic, long-lasting illness.

Dr. Phillip Paris

Pleasantville, New York

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.

blog comments powered by Disqus