A new report into the use of methadone has described the regime surrounding it as outdated and dehumanising with almost all of those surveyed saying they have never been offered alternative treatment.
It also says that the requirement to provide a urine sample from patients on a regular basis is demeaning and unnecessary.
There are currently around 10,000 people on methadone in Ireland, which is prescribed to help them stay off opioids such as heroin.
The report, from Service Users' Rights in Action, which is made up of former service users and medical professionals, interviewed 121 people on methadone for the study.
83% were between the ages of 36 and 60.
Just over half of those surveyed, 51%, have been in treatment for over 16 years and almost all, 97%, said they have never been offered an alternative treatment.
The report finds that 46% attend weekly urinalysis and nearly 20% have to attend 2-3 times a week.
The report also concludes that service users do not feel that they have options beyond methadone for the most part, and that they are largely dismissed by medical professionals and there is no meaningful complaints process in place.
The report's author, Dr Richard Healy, said: "While methadone, as a drug, is effective, it is the punitive treatment regime of testing and analysis that surrounds it that leaves people with little or no choice and traps them in a poor quality of life.
"The regime makes things like reintegration to work, training, education, or basic expectations like travel or staying with a friend or family for a few nights, for example, very difficult."
SURIA recommends that the quality of life of clients can be improved with more treatment choice, what it calls 'dignified testing', and respectful treatment practices that include a real avenue for complaint.
