According to an article in the newspaper (Nov. 1), the state is considering limiting Suboxone for a two-year period because the treatment costs about $300 per month per individual.

I am a licensed clinical social worker working in the field of substance abuse treatment, and Suboxone is the closest thing to a miracle drug for the treatment of opiate addiction that I have ever seen. It takes away the symptoms of withdrawal and the intense cravings that drive addicts to commit crimes in order to support their habits. Yet it does not make them high and, in fact, blocks the pleasurable effects of other opiates.

It allows the user to work and be productive, tax-paying members of society. Unfortunately, we have not had much, if any, success in weaning patients off it; they may need to remain on it for life.

People who look at the potential savings of stopping Suboxone after two years are not factoring in the far greater costs of incarceration, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and crime, as addicts have to steal thousands from individuals and businesses to pay for illegal drugs.

We do need to address the shocking problem of opiate addiction in this state, but this is not the way to do it. “Penny wise and pound foolish,” as my grandmother used to say.

I believe the far better approach would be to loosen up the current restrictions that only allow a few physicians to prescribe Suboxone to reduce or eliminate the long waiting lists to get into treatment. Imagine how many fewer jail and prison beds we would need if addicts had easy access through their own doctors to a safe and effective treatment.

That’s the way to save money, not the ways the task force is considering.

Monica Kelly

Waterville