METHADONE PROGRAM HAS MERIT

THE EDITOR:

I am writing in response to quotes from the recent drug forum in Abbotsford
(Times, Nov. 16).

I was unable to attend, but was quite disturbed by some statements and
attitudes.

There seems to be a great deal of misinformation about methadone. This is a
prescription drug used to prevent withdrawal while having no drug effect.

There is no high. It allows heroine addicts to gradually withdraw instead
of the instant "cold turkey" withdrawal. It's much the same principle as
nicotine gum or patches for smokers.

During this time they are able to get counselling, improve health,
reestablish relationships, quit crime and be accepted as a member of society.

Harm reduction for this treatment option is a misnomer. It sounds a lot
like a health promotion to me.

Despite what MP Randy White had to say, these people are not quitters.

This option is gaining rapid acceptance because the results are
self-evident if you keep an open mind.

I wonder if White knows anyone personally being treated with methadone or
if he knows their story. It sounds very much to me like Randy Miller, the
recovering Vancouver addict at the conference, was only able to escape his
hell through methadone treatment.

He is out of it now, touring Canada and helping others.

Would White have preferred this option had not been available and Miller
was still hooked on heroine and living on the streets of Vancouver?

Theories are nice but history will judge White.

Gary Falk
Abbotsford