Pubdate: Wed, 19 Mar 2003
Source: Times Leader (PA)
944.htm
Copyright: 2003 The Times Leader
Contact:  http://www.leader.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/933
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n395/a04.html

WRITER MAKES CASE FOR METHADONE AS MEANS TO FIGHT DEBILITATING ADDICTION 	

Kudos to Robert E. Griffin for making the case for methadone. Methadone 
maintenance has been proven to reduce drug use and related crime, death and 
disease among chronic heroin users. It's also a viable treatment for 
addiction to prescription painkillers like OxyContin. Contrary to popular 
opinion, methadone staves off debilitating withdrawal symptoms, but does 
not produce a high that prevents patients from living productive lives.

The tough-on-drugs alternative to harm reduction interventions like 
methadone is a very real threat to public health and safety. Addicts would 
not be sharing needles if not for zero-tolerance laws that restrict access 
to clean syringes, nor would they be committing crimes to support their 
habits if not for artificially inflated black-market prices. Whether we 
like it or not, both drug use and drug laws are here to stay. It only makes 
sense to try and minimize the harm associated with both.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.
Program Officer
Drug Policy Alliance
Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Beth