Pubdate: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
Source: Herald, The (UK)
Copyright: 2002 The Herald
Contact:  http://www.theherald.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/189
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n594/a04.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

METHADONE IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF HARM REDUCTION

Richard Lochhead, North-East SNP MSP, claims that an increase in the number 
of drug addicts receiving methadone indicates Grampian's methadone 
programme is not working (March 28). Would Lochhead rather they used street 
heroin? Because heroin is sold via an unregulated market, its quality and 
purity fluctuate tremendously.  An addict accustomed to low-quality heroin 
who unknowingly uses near pure heroin will likely overdose. As far as crime 
is concerned, addicts would not be committing crimes to support their 
habits if not for artificially inflated black-market prices.

Methadone maintenance programmes have been proven to reduce drug use and 
related crime, death, and disease among chronic heroin users. Contrary to 
popular belief, methadone is able to stave off potentially deadly 
withdrawal symptoms without producing a high that prevents patients from 
living productive lives.

Methadone maintenance is a prime example of harm reduction, an alternative 
approach to drug policy and treatment that seeks to minimise the adverse 
effects of both drug use and drug prohibition. Drug abuse is bad, but the 
drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, Program officer, Drug Policy Alliance
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager