It is unacceptable that a letter writer who identified himself as a long-time addictions counselor would display such an inadequate and limited knowledge of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders (“Addiction can't be medicated away,” July 25).

I am now in long-term recovery after having suffered with a substance use disorder for most of my life. I have tried many types of treatment, but what worked for me was a long-term, medication-assisted treatment plan.

Through that, I realized that regardless of the treatment, if one is seriously seeking recovery and positive change all approaches can work.

I successfully completed my treatment plan, and have been working as a peer recovery specialist at the program where I was treated, and I have witnessed many success stories with medication-assisted treatment as a patient and as a member of the staff.

I have been a mentor and an advocate for all treatment but will always testify to the positive results that I witnessed regarding medication-assisted treatment.

I will also advocate for removing the stigma and providing awareness about medication-assisted treatment. Everyone, including addictions counselors, need to remember that their words matter.

Darrell Hodge, Baltimore