"U.S. Opioid Crisis: Methadone and Buprenorphine Sidelines"

The U.S. is failing to effectively utilize medications like methadone and buprenorphine to prevent opioid overdose deaths, with various sectors obstructing their use. Despite their proven effectiveness in reducing overdose deaths and helping individuals achieve stable, healthy lives, barriers such as limited access, stigma, and opposition from organizations like Narcotics Anonymous and methadone clinics persist. The prevailing attitude in the U.S. often favors ineffective detox and 12-step approaches over medication-assisted treatment, contributing to the opioid crisis and exacerbating racial health disparities. Efforts to expand access to these medications and shift attitudes are underway, but outdated laws and practices continue to impede progress.