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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2000, 02, 2 (pages: 19 - 27)

Addiction and methadone: One American's view

Newman R. G.

Summary: To refer to America's “war on drugs” as a failure is overly generous. It is a disaster! Other nations should ignore what Americans say and consider instead the consequences of what they do. With specific regard to the treatment of addiction, all modalities that offer hope should be supported. None, however, approaches the proven ability of methadone maintenance to attract, retain and help addicts. Accordingly, the unique constraints on methadone's availability must be removed, and the general practicing physician given the same authority to prescribe methadone as she/he has to prescribe any other medication.