Pubdate: Tue, 24 Jun 2003
Source: Medford Mail Tribune (OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Author: Tracey Burns
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

METHADONE REALITY

Methadone is an extremely addictive synthetic opiate pain killer invented 
under Hitler's regime. It is very difficult to get off methadone and many 
fail in repeated attempts; many if not most are in the program for years.

Methadone program costs are far higher than indicated in the May 23 Tribune 
article. Expenses include director, counselors, nurse and staff salaries, 
drug costs, taxi rides, lab fees, building, utility and supplies costs, etc.

Methadone does not necessarily keep a person from doing crime, or even 
"street" drugs. I have been a victim and know victims of crimes by 
methadone users in the program!

Frankly I am tired of those who label drug addiction a disease so our tax 
money can be used to give free drugs to the drug users! I would rather see 
that money spent on more law enforcement and jails so we can keep habitual 
drug-using criminals behind bars.

Tracey Burns, Eagle Point
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