Methadone anonymous: a 12-step program. Reducing the stigma of methadone use.

1. Methadone is a synthetic narcotic that relieves the craving for heroin. Methadone enables the former heroin addict to feel well and unimpaired by side effects, and be free of heroin hunger. 2. Methadone Anonymous (MA) is a 12-step program (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous) for individuals with addictions who are in methadone treatment programs. 3. The MA program at our facility in New York has been extremely successful. Patients carry the message to new sites and leave information for potential groups. Requests for information are received weekly, both from neighboring states and even abroad.