Hi SS,
My name is Paul and I am an addict of alcohol and marijuana, and have 9 days sober today. I use secular programs of recovery, because I'm not spiritual in a theistic sense, and 12 Step programs just don't hold much meaning for me. I often encounter people in AA who tell me I'm just dry or not in recovery because I don't believe in God and work a 12 Step program, or that I'm not a "real" alcoholic. So, I can relate to the discrimination you experience. From my understanding, the maintainence drugs for treating opiate addiction bind with all the extra receptor sites created by the regular use of opiate drugs, and relieve some of the discomfort, without producing a high. Sounds like a medical treatment to me. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I don't consider you or others any less in recovery than those who are able to get by without. You sound healthy and positive, and to me that is what counts.
DK