METHADONE TREATMENT

New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is going ahead with a controversial
plan to wean 2,000 patients in methadone maintenance treatment from the
medication. Many drug abuse experts have expressed serious concern about
the action, with drug Czar Barry McCaffrey predicting: "Close down
methadone programs and (addicts) will be back on the streets, back on
drugs, and back on welfare." Giuliani has also recommended that an
additional 30,000 patients receiving methadone in private New York City
clinics cease receiving treatment. The mayor's plan includes providing
counseling and job training for the program patients.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski