Addiction Quote by Patrick J. Kennedy
“Opioid replacement therapy is the standard evidence-based model to treat people with acute opioid addiction, and that is unassailable according to every research study that's been done. If that is the evidence-based model, then why can't we meet the large-scale need that's out there? We can't because one, there aren't enough doctors who can prescribe [drugs like methadone], and two, there are these artificial limits [by insurers] on who doctors can prescribe to.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Testimony on Opioid Treatment, 2018
Evidence supports opioid replacement therapy, yet systemic barriers like provider shortages and insurer limits prevent meeting demand.
In simple terms: Therapy works, but access is blocked.
Key Takeaway
Address provider and insurer barriers.
Themes
health policy
addiction treatment
systemic barriers
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
policy
advocacy
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- policy reform
- patient advocacy
- insurance negotiation
Key Concepts
Evidence‑based medicine
public health
access equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we increase qualified prescribers?
- What reforms can reduce insurer restrictions?
A Different Perspective
Barriers may persist despite policy changes.
![“Our contention is not that medication alone is the answer. We really need to have it in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and with peer support. And that needs to be reimbursed [by health insurers], because it shows huge reductions in overall spending.” quote by Patrick J. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/844/patrick-j-kennedy-19273_answers_our-contention-is-not-that-medication-al_319106.jpg)
