SENSELESS RESTRICTIONS ON METHADONE

The concern of Anacostia residents about a methadone clinic opening in
their midst [Metro, Oct. 13] is understandable, although somewhat
exaggerated. Unlike every other drug in the United States, methadone cannot
be prescribed by physicians in their offices or distributed by pharmacists.
These senseless restrictions make clinics the only option for patients and
communities.

There is a better way. Countries such as Canada, Australia and England are
eliminating their not-in-my-backyard problems by permitting methadone
patients to pick up their prescribed methadone doses at community
pharmacies convenient to their home or work.

Allowing doctors to prescribe and pharmacies to dispense methadone to
patients working to improve their lives betters the quality of life for all.

Holly Catania, Director, Methadone Policy Project, The Lindesmith Center,
New York

The Lindesmith Center is a project of George Soros's Open Society Institute.