Physicians who dispense methadone must apply for a license every year, and programs are subject to frequent inspections. All of these slots are occupied at any given time. A 1995 Institute of Medicine study concluded that such regulations are unnecessary and that there are no medical reasons to regulate methadone any differently than any other FDA-approved medication. Societal costs Society pays an enormous cost because of addiction to illicit drugs. Shoplifting drives up the cost of goods.
Muggings reduce tourism in our large cities.
HIV infection requires costly treatment and causes premature death and reduced economic productivity. Incarcerating large numbers of drug addicts is extremely costly. Probably the most important action is to rethink our attitudes toward addiction to illicit drugs and to recognize it as a chronic disease rather than a manifestation of psychological impairment. As one expert has said, 'Drug use is a choice, addiction is not. We need to open our minds to methadone maintenance, which is a pharmacologically sound approach to minimizing the harm from addiction.