Pubdate: Tue, 05 Oct 2004 Source: Kingsport Times-News (TN) Copyright: 2004 Kingsport Publishing Corporation Contact: http://gotricities.net/domains/timesnews.net/lettertoEditor.dna?action=new Website: http://www.timesnews.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1437 Author: Richard J. Skelskey Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1309/a04.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) METHADONE TREATMENT HELPS PATIENTS RETURN TO TOP In response to an article Sept. 14, our mission [at Appalachian Treatment Services, where Mr. Skelskey is sponsor/director] is to provide rehabilitation and medical support services to persons addicted to opioid drugs. This rehabilitation consists of medication-assisted treatments as well as intensive counseling aimed at reducing or eliminating the use of illicit drugs. Our focus is directed at the patient and family to support the individual in treatment. Patients are treated with dignity and respect, improving self-esteem and fostering a healing environment. Commonwealth's Attorney Marcus McClung pointed to the attitude of the clinic's visitors stating, "Nothing matters except staying high." Patients who access services are seeking treatment for the disease of addiction. To these patients everything else, home family and children, does matter. That is why they seek treatment. My associate and I have opened or operated at least eight clinics in the past 10 years. None of the patients was homeless, sleeping in abandoned buildings, under bridges or on the streets near the clinics. A clinic does not bring "pushers and dealers" into the area. It meets a need by treating individuals already in the area. Methadone does not impair cognitive functions. It has no adverse effects on mental capability, intelligence or employability. It is not sedating or intoxicating, nor does it interfere with ordinary activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Patients are able to feel pain and experience emotional reactions. Most importantly, methadone relieves the craving associated with opiate addiction. For methadone patients, typical street doses of heroin are ineffective at producing euphoria, making the use of heroin less desirable. Methadone treatment greatly reduces criminal behavior. The decline in predatory crimes is likely in part because methadone maintenance treatment patients no longer need to finance a costly heroin addiction or prescription drugs and because treatment allows many patients to stabilize their lives and return to legitimate employment. These facts are supported by the NIH, SAMHSA and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Richard J. Skelskey Bristol, Va. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D