Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Is There a Role for Methadone in Germany?
AIDS & Public Policy Journal 3, no. 2 (1988): 23-29 Robert G. Newman
It is a privilege to join such distinguished colleagues in discussing the terribly difficult problem of drug addiction and the closely associated tragedy of AIDS. It occurred to me that perhaps a zealous advocate of methadone treatment from overseas was considered desirable as a lightning rod for the many critics of this treatment approach. Frankly, I am perfectly happy to serve such a purpose, but I am hopeful that I can contribute in a more substantive manner to the vitally important and complex discussions taking place today. There is no basis for believing that answers will be forthcoming soon. I urge you not to lose sight of other issues, of greater--or at least more urgent--importance, about which there is and can be no dispute. (1) There are a great many individuals who inject heroin several times each day. It does not matter precisely how many individuals there are. What does matter is that they exist, that they indeed are injecting themselves with illicit drugs two, three, or more times each day, and that in doing so they put their lives and the lives of others--addicts as well as non-addicts--in mortal jeopardy. (2) Among these addicts there are many who want to give up heroin use and need help to do so. It does not matter how large a proportion of the addict population these individuals represent, nor what motivates them to discontinue injection of the drug, now why--or even whether--they cannot do so on their own. The fact is that such addicts exist, that they themselves perceive the need for help, and that without help they will almost certainly continue to take heroin.
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
