Pubdate: Tue, 23 Apr 2002
Source: Times Leader (PA)
Copyright: 2002 The Times Leader
Contact:  http://www.leader.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/933
Author: Joycelyn Woods
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

COMMUNITY HAS POWER TO MAKE HEROIN ADDICTS' JOURNEY TO RECOVERY EASIER

Your newspaper is to be commended for its recent articles covering the 
local drug epidemic, overdoes, heroin, and methadone. Through the media, 
communities communicate and address problems. The Times Leader is acting in 
the public interest when it shines a light on these issues.

As the death toll from heroin overdoses continues to mount, the question is 
how long it will be permitted to continue. Communities work extremely hard 
against heroin addiction.

When treatment isn't available, a phenomenon occurs. The Greeks captured it 
in the fable of Sisyphus. Sisyphus labors all day to push a huge boulder up 
a hill, only to have it roll back down again each night.

Noble causes deserve to be spared demoralization. When someone with the 
devastating brain disorder of opiate addiction is ready to accept 
treatment, it is imperative that it is available. We must seize windows of 
opportunity when people seek help to change.

People needing methadone treatment in Luzerne County are put on a waiting 
list at an out-of-town facility and asked to wait several months. The 
prospect of daily three-hour commutes has been a barrier to the majority 
needing help. Addicts seeking treatment should not be discouraged; rather 
they need our support and encouragement.

Sadly, myths abound about methadone treatment. However truth will prevail 
and the most effective treatment for opiate addiction is methadone. Even 
heroic law enforcement efforts to deal with the local heroin epidemic will 
not reduce the frustration, despair, and damage to the community. Without 
treatment there is no practical way for addicts to return to family and 
social roles. Addicted people will continue to suffer and die. Families 
will continue to suffer the traumatization caused by multiple life-long 
loses. While we cannot help everyone stop using, we should help those we can.

Joycelyn Woods, president

National Alliance of Methadone Advocates

New York
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