Simply dispensing methadone to addicts is not adequate treatment. Methadone treatment is a tool, which provides time to come to terms with chemical dependency issues and make the significant lifestyle changes necessary for recovery.

Addiction is a chronic, life-threatening condition, like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and adult diabetes. Addiction has roots in genetic susceptibility, social circumstance, and personal behaviour. Certain drugs are highly addictive, rapidly causing biochemical and structural changes in the brain. Others can be used for longer periods of time before they begin to cause inescapable cravings and compulsive use.