The controversy surrounding the Swedish methadone assisted rehabilitation program over time
a literature study.
MethadoneNarcomaniaMethadone assisted rehabilitationControversySocial changesTheory of social workSociala förändringarTeorier om socialt arbeteSocial problems and welfareNational insuranceSociala problemSocial välfärdSocialförsäkringSocial SciencesLaw and Political Science
The purpose of this study was to examine the controversy surrounding the Swedish methadone assisted rehabilitation program over time. Which course has the Swedish methadone assisted rehabilitation program, and the controversy surrounding it, taken since the start? Which arguments have been for and which have been against a methadone assisted rehabilitation program in Sweden, and what are these arguments based on? We chose to write this thesis as a literature study to get a broad and in depth picture of the development of the program in Sweden. In our analysis we used social constructionism and a medical aspect on substance abuse as theories.It is clear that it has been, and still are, differences in opinions when it comes to the effects of the program. As early as in the 1980's the methadone assisted rehabilitation program was scientifically proved effective and approved by the Swedish Board of Health and Social Affairs. In spite of this the criticism continued. However the trend seems to go in the direction of a greater tolerance towards maintenance treatment. The number of heroin users is increasing and no other treatment or rehabilitation has proved to be effective. The way people look at substance abuse can have great impact when it comes to choice of treatment. According to social constructionism, the definition of the substance abuse problem can change over time or because of circumstances in the society. Looking at substance abuse as a disease instead of a social problem can lead to totally different consequences in form of treatment. Some people consider methadone use in the rehabilitation as a switch from one drug to another while other people see methadone as a life saving medicine. We have come to the conclusion that those proclaiming the rehabilitation often base their arguments on scientifically proven results and knowledge while those opposing are basing their arguments on an ideology without scientific proof.