ITS SUCCESS IS DOCUMENTED

Re: "Methadone treatment offers false hope to heroin addicts," Viewpoints,
Dec. 11.

Richard Estrada's column was correct in emphasizing the importance of
comprehensive rehabilitation treatment for individuals with addictions.
However, it is wrong to downplay the importance of methadone maintenance
treatment. It is true that a goal of methadone maintenance treatment should
be to wean the person off methadone as they become psychosocially stable.
The effectiveness of methadone treatment has been documented in research
studies for several decades and includes improved employment for addicts,
decreased crime rates and overall improved health.

Today we face significant cutbacks in addiction treatment. Insurance
companies through managed care agents have lowered the benefit utilization
for substance abuse treatment by 70.7 percent between the years 1988 and
1997. This is an appalling statistic which simply makes it more difficult
for individuals to access adequate treatment for a sufficient period of time.

People with substance abuse disorders (i.e. addictions) do require
phychotherapeautic and psychosocial services. Further, there are additional
psychiatric disorders in the addicted population. More than 50 percent of
people with addictions have an additional psychiatric disorder besides
their addiction. It is therefore critical that we integrate our mental
health programs with addiction services.

Edgar P. Nace, M.D., Immediate past president, American Academy of
Addiction Psychiatry, Dallas

Checked-by: Richard Lake