The term "evidence based" is the buzz word of the last 5 years. It is used over and over to validate the use of medication assisted treatments (suboxone and methadone) OVER abstinence based treatments and approaches. 

You have heard that buprenorphine (suboxone) is the gold standard for recovery. You may have been told that abstinence does not work  and that rehab centers are of little value. As everything else in life, the more you hear it, the more you perceive it to be true. But before jumping into the gold standard, ask what that evidence is.

In Ulster County, it can be said that the use of naloxone (Narcan) saves lives. Yes it does BUT the number of overdoses is up. So the evidence is suggesting that if we can assure that every user has Narcan with him (and someone to administer it), his or her chances of dying from an overdose go down. Yes but to what end? Is the person who was just saved from overdose death going to vow never to do this again? Realistically and sadly, no. People in our county are told that the use of medication and Narcan availability will help the addict stay alive until the addict decides he/she is ready to seek treatment. Clearly, the disease of addiction is not quite understood. 

When you find yourself in a position that you are being told that the best 'EVIDENCE BASED" treatment for you or someone you love is medication and a"managed use" protocol, ASK WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE?

• How long will I need to take the medication ?
• What will happen if I stop taking the medication?
• Does the medication have any side effects?
• How much is the cost of the medication and is it covered by insurance?
• Will it always be covered by insurance?