Pubdate: Sun, 18 May 2003 Source: Sunday Gazette-Mail (WV) Copyright: 2003, Sunday Gazette-Mail Contact: http://sundaygazettemail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1404 Author: James Shingleton METHADONE CAN BE EFFECTIVE Editor: Although your article does point out some of the shortcomings of methadone treatment, it falls short when reporting of the success stories as a result of methadone. Many people I have been in contact with over the years have all had the same question, "When is West Virginia going to have a methadone center so we don't have to live this way?" Since the introduction of the treatment center, the people I am speaking of have all tried conventional treatment and long-term treatment. Many have stayed as long as six months. These people have all stayed on methadone, ceased all illegal activity, gained useful employment and most importantly, have not used any type of illegal or legal drug. Any disease that requires medication to treat effectively is going to have its abusers, but the good it can create far outweighs the abuse that may occur. James Shingleton Dunbar - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens