Mr. Higgins began working in the field of methadone treatment in 1973, upon completion of his internship in Clinical Psychology. He was hired by the State of New Jersey and worked in three state-sponsored methadone programs between 1973 and 1976. In July 1976, Mr. Higgins was promoted and assumed the position of Clinic Director of an MMTP in Asbury Park, New Jersey. During the next 8 years, he was also able to open a satellite clinic in a neighboring county and helped establish the first hospital-based clinic in his area.

In 1984 the state made a decision to privatize all substance abuse treatment programs. Mr. Higgins was instrumental in forming a provider corporation that facilitated the transition of 13
state-sponsored methadone programs into a group of private, non-profit entities. Later that year, he was a founding member of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Association and served as Corporate Secretary until 1997.

Currently, Mr. Higgins is the CEO of JSAS Healthcare Inc. in Asbury Park, the President of N.J.'s Coalition of Methadone Programs and he continues to represent his state as a member of the Board of Directors of American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence. He also serves on the Governor's Council on HIV/AIDS and is active at many levels in educating and advocating on the value and efficacy of comprehensive treatment through the use of available opioid pharmacotherapies.