EXPANDED METHADONE PROGRAM PLANNED TO COUNTER HEROIN

NEW YORK - The White House plan to help heroin addicts sounds simple:
Doctors would dispense methadone, a synthetic substance designed to lessen
heroin cravings, in their offices for the first time.

But for now, the new policy doesn't include any money - just a government
endorsement for improving and expanding the use of methadone.

"Methadone treatment is simply not available for Americans in all parts of
the country in a manner called for by rational drug policy. We've got to do
better," Gen. Barry McCaffrey, the national drug-policy director, told a
meeting of the American Methadone Treatment Association in New York
yesterday.

There are an estimated 810,000 chronic heroin users in the United States,
but only about 115,000 are receiving methadone. It is dispensed at about 900
clinics only at certain times, making it hard for some addicts to hold jobs
and get treatment.

In announcing the policy, McCaffrey said study after study has shown that
methadone not only eliminates the misery of heroin addiction but makes it
possible for addicts to lead productive lives, hold down jobs and stay away
from crime.

Eventually, McCaffrey said, individual doctors would be licensed to dispense
methadone outside of clinics. The policy for the first time would also
establish an accreditation process for methadone clinics and set standards
for effective dosages, counseling and care.

Asked about federal funds for implementing the policy, McCaffrey said, "The
money will follow; first, the policy."

Checked-by: Don Beck