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It has been shown to be safe and effective, particularly when combined with counseling and other
mental health services (“NIH Consensus” 1998). While there are a variety of other drugs used to
treat opiate addiction, methadone is unique because it is provided only through specialized,
heavily regulated clinics in the United States (Jaffe and O’Keefe 2004; “NIH Consensus” 1998;
Institute of Medicine 1995). In fact, methadone is among the most heavily regulated drugs in the
United States in terms of restrictions on both patient and physician (Institute of Medicine 1995),
despite recent restructuring of the federal oversight system (“Federal Register” 2001).
This research explores methadone patients’ views on the treatment they receive by
analyzing communication in an online support group for substance abuse patients in medication-
assisted treatment. The unique contribution of this research lies in the source of information for
analysis. The last decade has seen a marked increase in the use of the internet as a vehicle for
social support for individuals with a variety of health concerns (Preece 2000; Cotten 2001). An
analysis of internet-based support groups can give valuable insights into how methadone patients
perceive their treatment. Such analysis can also provide clues on how methadone treatment can
be better implemented to address the difficulties and challenges of the patient’s transition from
the addict lifestyle into mainstream society.
BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE
Patient Perspectives on Methadone Treatment
The primary maintenance medications available for opiate addiction are methadone,
buprenorphine, and 1-Levo-Alpha-Acetyl-Methadol (LAAM). Methadone is by far the most
widely used medication for the long-term treatment of opiate dependency (“NIH Consensus”
1998; Jaffe 1997). In the United States, methadone and LAAM are available primarily through a
Convention