A WORLD OF HEROIN

To the Editor:
At first glance, most readers might find it difficult to relate to your
article regarding the 1.5 million heroin addicts in Pakistan (front page,
April 19), other than with a detached sense of horror.

However, America is not so very different. According to a recent statement
by Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug Control
Policy, there are approximately one million American citizens who are
addicted to heroin. Over 80 percent of them have absolutely no access to
treatment.

Treatment, particularly methadone maintenance, works, and is relatively
inexpensive. Treatment of this kind provides incalculable benefits to
heroin users and the general community.

As your article states, Pakistan is believed to have so many heroin addicts
because of "geography, geopolitics, corruption and poverty." What is our
excuse?

ROBERT G. NEWMAN, M.D.
New York, April 20, 2000

The writer is president of Continuum Health Partners.