ONE DRUG PROGRAM DOESN'T FIT ALL

I appreciate a recent letter writer's opinion on methadone, and realize the
writer has the background to add weight to his opinion. But I disagree.

Certainly, 12-step programs work, and they have for 70 years or so. But
even these programs admit, in their creed, that there are those who are
basically so far gone that the 12 steps probably won't work for them.

What's to become of these lost souls? Euthanasia?

There's more than one avenue for treatment. Methadone has shown its
effectiveness over the past 30-plus years, else the conservative federal
government would not allow it to be. Bottom line, methadone allows addicts
to have freedom from withdrawals, freedom from craving and freedom from
those who profit from illegal drug sales. They are able to have as close to
a normal life as possible. And it requires little work on the addicts' part.

Twelve-step programs, on the other hand, are notoriously difficult. They
work primarily for those who are outgoing in character, love to express
themselves inside and out with near-strangers, and are open to hearing the
same from others. Those who come out of such programs may think their
program is the only one that works.

Thankfully, this culture appreciates diversity. In the same way we choose
which church to attend (or not to attend), let's have the freedom to choose
from alternate modes of treatment. The important thing is that no addict be
left behind.

Randy M. Still

Southside