THE CASE FOR METHADONE

With reference to the article 'Methadone fails to reduce heroin use or
cut crime' (December 14), it's tough to believe that the article, and
Professor Neil McKeganey, whom it quotes, refer to the study recently
published in the journal Public Health. Far from the gloomy assessment
the headline suggests, the authors (and Prof McKeganey was one) report
that methadone patients were found:

". significantly more likely (compared to those receiving any other
therapy] to achieve a reduction in the frequency of their illicit drug
use." And they note: "Of course, there are public health benefits
consequent on reductions in the frequency of heroin use."

Thus, not surprisingly, their article concludes with the observation
that the findings ".confirm the value of methadone-maintenance
services." All in all a pretty compelling argument in favour of
maintaining - and expanding - methadone maintenance treatment in Scotland.

Robert Newman, Beth Israel Medical Center

New York