Maine Groups Work On Opioid Fix: More Access To Suboxone

Dr. Craig Smith says he once held the same misconceptions that many doctors have about bringing Suboxone – which is used to treat opioid addictions – into his practice. Difficult patients. An overwhelming demand. A constant headache. Endless red tape. “I thought it would be a big disruption. I thought I would have a lot of people looking like Keith Richards on my doorstep,” said Smith, referring to the Rolling Stones guitarist who has battled substance abuse. Instead, Smith said that since he started prescribing Suboxone seven years ago, he’s helped numerous people improve their lives, and the patients have not been disruptive to the practice. “It’s turned out to be the most gratifying part of the job,” said Smith, of Bridgton.