I was/am a heroin addict. I was on methadone for a few years and suboxone for a year. Both were really awful to be on and worse than heroin to get off of (way longer half life). However, sometimes they are necessary... up to you. I know of doctors who overprescribe and I know of doctors who refuse to prescribe. At one point I was forced to go off cold turkey because I moved and the system told me to just put up with the withdrawals since surely I was strong enough if I had already lasted a few days of withdrawal... I was also in rehab twice, detox 10 times. Now I have almost a year clean. It can be done but it isn't easy. I find figuring out my life very challenging since I feel like I lost most of my life to drugs.