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This page was last updated on January 5, 1999

10-3-98

I'm a methadone dispensing nurse.  I worked in hospitals and nursing homes before--an injury prevents me from going back to nursing home work.  I am very impressed with the results I have seen in my methadone [patients].  I advocate the Methadone Programs.  The people are like anyone else that make mistakes in life.  I agree that they have the right to these programs and to be treated with dignity in them.  The [patients] need encouragement not discouragement.

The nurse that had the job before me treated the [patients] like lepers and as though she was better than them.  My [patients] were very hurt by this attitude.  Some of them said they have to get a fix and get high just to come in and face her.  Since she has been gone, we've had a lot more of a success rate with clean UAs.  Most of these people are really trying to get their lives straight.  I applaud Methadone.  At least now the [patients] have a way of staying alive and disease free with methadone now.
Thanks, Deborah H., LPN
 

My husband has been on methadone for about 2 1/2 years now and finally we have reached normalcy in our lives.  Because our home state (Ohio) does not recognize the importance of methadone maintainence, he must travel to Michigan to the Project Life Clinic for his methadone.  Because he works 7-3:30, he
must get up at 4 in the morning in order to be first at the clinic.  He has been doing this faithfully all these years and hasn't had one setback.  I really appreciate the efforts your state has put into this situation.   I've stuck by my husband for over 20 years; have watched him slide from one dependency to another;  endured hardships when he went to prison after committing crimes to support his habit.  I did this because I knew that somewhere, somehow, some one would find a solution to his problems.  And he did just that.  Project Life was indeed our lifesaver.  I have no doubt that without the clinic, my husband would be dead today.  Instead we are living a good life, he's holding down a job he enjoys and we are finally able to live
the life I knew we could.  The life I knew deep down my husband was capable of living.  I can't tell you how much this means to me.  To finally have the man I knew existed inside of him.  I'm glad I stuck it out because it was truly worth it.  Thank you all very much.
 

I was using for a long time As was lots of my buddys.. Some of us went on the program some like me just kicked.. The ones that went on the program eather are still using or dead.. The ones that kicked the hard way are all doing real good. but a few that reused and then went on the program and are as the others DEAD or still using.  I think your program sucks.. It takes money from the system and just takes a junkie from one drug to another!!!!..... Wake up stop feeding them You are better off SHOOTING them then keeping them on drugs.. By the way  how much money do you people make just off one junkie !!!!  yea your in it for the bucks!!!  Remember I was there.. I know the deal! you people are no better then the junkies you feed infact your 100% worst! then them.. you keep them using.

Trading one addiction for another is just what you are doing!!!! like i said i am not one to speak out of turn I was there Big Time!! And i tryed your so called program.. and all it did was keep me from getting sick..  As for knowing what i am talking about Well i do!.. i did the reading and from what i see the only doctors that say it is good Are the ones who make a buck off it.. All other doctors are totaly against it.. YOU DO THE READING!!!  Do it right here on the net.. Most sites are ones putting it down as a money making deal for doctors and srinks!!!!!!!!...  And who pays for the programs!!! I DO the tax payers!!!   So dont tell me shit you might be able to bullshit someone who was not into it But not me... AND anyone who is a junkie should be shot!!!  And if i was shot when i was a junkie O WELL!! TO BAD!!!  i no what a junkie does when there is no money ahh you no just what i am talking about... I have no more time for you or any JUNKIE!

The only thing I can say to this guy is that methadone saved my life, along with countless other hundreds of thousands.  Methadone maintenance is the most successful treatment for opiate addiction to date and is endorsed by the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Institute of Medicine, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and countless others. . . . - Editor

Reply to letter above:
I would like to make a comment to the letter dated 10-03-98.  I am just learning about methadone so I'm not one to make big judgements but by all the hate and anger in your letter I dont think just quitting drugs is going to help you. You sound like you need to talk to a counslor; you must have alot of issues that are eating you up inside to make such hateful statements.  My heart goes out to you, and I hope you get the psychological help it appears you desperately need.
 

Finding your address has been the best thing to happen for me since I started this job! What a wealth of information you have! I shared your information with another nurse that I work with, and she would also like a packet like you sent me (Yes, you sent me the myths. I loved it). Would you send a packet to Kathy? I may be requesting that you send a packet to our doctor. She is new; maybe we can break her in right! Thanks again for all of your help and I hope I do not drive you crazy with all my questions. Speaking of questions, what can you tell me or send to me on Orlaam (LAAM)? I have only a few people on it; many want to know a comparison between Orlaam and methadone.
 

I am a Phoenix, AZ resident and a patient in a private methadone program since 1992. I can only say great things about my program and the MD in charge. My problem is not street drugs but prescription meds following several serious accidents but nonetheless, I share a kinship with those on harder drugs. I must admit that methadone is one of the easier drugs to live with for chronic pain etc. but is a victim of much ignorance by many members of the medical profession.
- John M.
 

Your newsletter and web-site are great! You are truly a much needed voice in the wilderness. Would you be interested in an occasional contribution from a Columbus, Ohio methadone client? While I'm not a skilled writer by any means, what I have to say may be of interest to others in our odd family. Please reply at your convience,

Dear Columbus, Methadone Today is always looking for good articles, and you do not have to be a skilled writer to submit one. Of course, we would be interested in your contributions. This applies to any of our readers. -The Editor

5-31-97 Hey Beth,
Here is the donation that I promised. Your organization is so important. I don't know what I would have done without your support and your referrals. I don't have much money, so this is the best I can do. If it aids DONT in helping just one patient, then it is worth it to me. Methadone patients need the advocacy that DONT offers and the information that Methadone Today supplies. The $100 money order is a donation. It is not for the the newsletter. Please use it in any way you see fit to be the most useful in helping patients. I will be sending another ten dollars separately for the newsletter. Beth, you are a wonderful human being. Please keep up the good work that you are doing. I look forward to reading new issues of Methadone Today. Much love and wishes of good luck. P.S. I will keep you posted on what happens at my meeting. Matt, California

5-20-97 Dear Beth,
I have read your posts with interest and have found your comments to be enlightening and your knowledge very valuable. I am a Massachussetts resident and have been a Methadone Patient for almost 6 years. In addition, I am a Paralegal that specializes in Social Security Disability Law and have been quite successful in helping Methadone patients either maintain or rectify their SSD status. Through my work, the ongoing ethical and humanitarian issues at my clinic and the various ways that this list has empowered me to advocate, I, along with a friend (another list member) [the methadone list} have concluded that we could do a great service by creating a NAMA affiliate. I was wondering if you could be so kind as to either e-mail or snail mail me a copy of your newsletter. . . .and would it be possible to get on your mailing list; if so, please let me know how to go about doing so. I feel convinced that your insight and knowledge must be evident in your newsletter. Therefore, it would be a wonderful model for us to view so that we may "grab some ideas" for preparation of our own. I thank you in advance for any help that you may be able to give. Cathy, Massachussetts

2-10-97 Dear Editor:
Your article "USA or Nazi Germany" really got my blood boiling! (DEA Raid) Perhaps it helps explain why my clinic (in Washington DC) is so conservative and rigid in their rules and regs: they're petrified of this happening to them! I recently joined NAMA and MAP (Media Awareness Program) in hopes of doing something before all our rights go down the drain. (they're already in the toilet!) I only wish more addicts in recovery would take a political stand and work to better our status as citizens, however that's asking a lot from people who are struggling to stay clean and repair the damages done by years of addiction. Thank you for an excellent addition to the drug policy literature.

Thank you for your comment on the article. Some clinics are conservative because of the regulations placed on them, but some use them as an excuse. We, as methadone patients need to know what the federal, state, and local regulations say so that the clinics cannot continue to make up their own rules as they go along. The federal guidelines are quite liberal as compared to many clinics' rules. - Editor

Question: do you have any idea whether people from AA, NA and other 12-step programs have shown any interest in the "rights of addicts" issues? Or are they "beyond" that sort of thing? R.V.

From my experience, they are "beyond" that sort of thing. To them, we who are on methadone, are not "clean", whatever that means! It is telling to me the use of the word "clean", opposite of the word, "dirty", to describe themselves (which also gives you some indication of their thoughts re: methadone patients, conscious or not). Methadone is chemotherapy--just as insulin is to the diabetic, methadone is to the opiate addict. I went to N.A. and A.A. for awhile (a long while to be exact--about 10 years), and I was surprised at how many doctors were at these groups (heavy sarcasm). But, to be fair, it is not their fault--this is what they were taught--just as some children are taught to hate other races, etc. -Editor

2-7-97 - Wow you. . .have got a way of looking at things that I can understand. I just can't understand why more people don't see these obvious facts! (especialy lawmakers)??? You've pointed out some very good points. I thought [the story about DEA raid] was real good. However, please include in your papers that America, land of the free, has (now I think I've got this right) more of its population per capta than any country or industrialized country in the world! Keep up the good work and please help keep the flame of freedom burning. I'm afraid that too many Americans don't realize how our rights have been eroding. It doesn't seem so subtle either. Thanks for the info dude or dudette. - Keep it goin', Brian in Wichita

Yes, we do have the largest prison population, and what do we keep hearing? We are told we can't let up on the war on drugs--we must continue this ridiculous drug war no matter the cost.
- Beth Francisco (dudette), Editor, Methadone Today

1-29-97 - Ms. Francisco,

As the Medical Director at UPC Jefferson Avenue Research Clinic, I would like to congratulate you on both Methadone Today as well as your web site. The work you are doing is very valuable. If you would be interested, Dr. Schuster and I would be willing to answer medical and pharmacologic questions about methadone for Methadone Today. You could solict questions from readers and we could answer one or two questions from a small group that you could select. I recognize that there are pros and cons for doing this. Clearly, your publication is for and by patients and we would not want to detract from this mission. Let us know if you are interested. Again, we completely understand if there are reasons why you might not want to take us up on this offer. Sincerely, John Hopper

John Hopper, MD
Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry
Medical Director, Clinical Research Division on Substance Abuse
Wayne State University

We are delighted to accept this offer from these two wonderful doctors. If anyone has questions regarding Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Buprenorphine, LAAM, or addiction, please send them to Methadone Today, P.O. Box 90196, Burton, MI 48509, or you may email them to: beth@methadonetoday..org

1-29-97 - Well, well it is really growing up -- looks real impressive. I get excited when I see the affiliates doing such a great job! - Joycelyn Woods, Executive V.P. (NAMA)

Dear Beth,
I was thrilled when you wrote and told me to check out your new web site for Methadone Today! And after viewing it several times I'm extremely impressed with it and very proud of you! You've outdone yourself with this site! It provides an enormous amount of info for those of us who are on-line and who are methadone patients - keep up the good work!! Katharine Bolton, Editor/Publisher Methadone Awareness newsletter."

Thanks Katharine, your kind comments mean a lot to me because your newsletter was the inspiration for Methadone Today. Beth 11-20-96

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Dear Beth
Thanks for the information. I am finding a lot of stuff on the web, but it makes it so much easier with directions. You can use my name if you wish (Patricia M. O'Keefe). If you like you can mention that I am a former NH State Representative and was co-sponsor of both a needle exchange bill and a bill to remove the prescription requirements to purchase syringes and decriminalize possession of such items - they have yet to pass but we are still working on them. There is also a bill currently in study regarding methadone maintenace, but the rumour is that it has been substantially watered down...but nothing is concrete yet and I will keep you informed about how it progresses (or doesn't). I am specifically looking at start up costs for programs; staffing, medication, etc. if you can point me somewhere in that direction, I would greatly appreciate it - and also a copy of your newsletter. Thanks, Tricia

Your newsletter is great. I'm proud of you Beth. Keep up the good work. I really admire you and what it is that you're doing. Hang in there! May peace and strength be a constant in your life. Respectfully and Sincerely, Lesia

Excellent job! -- Easy to read (color and contrast) with great links. Do you have any idea how much time you invested? I'm going to do one after I upgrade my Netscape. One suggestion: I think it would be nice (for you) if you had a counter for people who visited your site. Take heart in a job well done. - Dan

Thanks, Dan. I took your suggestion and tried a counter but could not get it to register. I am still working on getting a counter together.

New note: 11-14-96 - Take a look at our counter now. I think the problem is licked. - The Editor

When it came up on the screen I got goosebumps...the homepage is excellent! The resource section is great...I love the internet, but trying do do a homepage with reference sections is far beyond my personal technological whatever - I'm extremely impressed with the page! I am grateful for those people that can set these things up so we can access them (I guess I should not feel so old at 41, but the kids I work with have a way of letting me know that whatever I know about operating a computer...they know more)...I got the copy of your November newsletter and am honored that I have been, and hopefully in the future will be, of assistance. Please continue to send me info, as I check daily. I will probably be be tied up until after the election; but you, and your work are often in my mind, as we in New Hampshire, make plans and bills for the next legislative session. Hopefully, I will send you wonderful election results...even if not, this important work WILL go on with us, and others, together. Talk to you soon, Trisha

Just checked out your site -- really great. I like the blinking NAMA. - Joycelyn

I like what I saw of your web page....you're practicing some good style by putting a back to top of page button at the bottom. It really pisses me off on some of the pages when then trap you places. I know a couple that have no graceful exits and I've let them know! - Mitch

Mighty proud of you, lady! Mighty proud! Now I see clearly what you do from sun-up to sun-down, and most time in between. I must commend you for your very creative piece of work that you have done. Way to go girlfriend! I read every single word of it. I was real pleased that I could look at the back issues of your newsletter. Some of them I would like to send to the director of the school for the blind. Ignorance is bliss, so there's no excuse for it with what you, along with NAMA are doing, and so many others that are finally brave enough to speak out for what we are and have become because of methadone and the strength it has empowered us with. Even my mom has learned alot from reading the newsletters. So, again, I praise you for your excellent work. BTW, I looked long and hard for the right word or words to express myself, but I couldn't find one as well as..."far-out", Beth!!! - Lesia

Would you please add our Web site for "Addiction Treatment Forum" to your Links to other sites. The URL is http://www.atforum.com. We will also make mention of your excellent Web site in our publications. I was referred to your site by Joyce Woods... keep up the good work. Best Regards... Stewart B. Leavitt,Ph.D., editor, ATF

At the time this email was received, Methadone Today had a link to ATForum, but we were having a hard time getting our new page to overwrite the old link page, so the Forum did not know it was already in the works. Methadone Today is linked to ATForum--excellent site--one of our favorites.

Welcome on the web. We hope you will add to your favoured links the only site in Italy on methadone. We will add your URL at our next update. Thank You. - R. Nardini

Congratulations on your new site. It looks like you've been doing great work for some years. I passed your email on to four Australian IDU groups which have now come online. They will probably contact you separately. - Dave P.S. The counter was still showing zero.

I'm a NAMA member. I'm seeking other methadone advocates who might want to help me start a national effort to get more medical maintenance programs up and running. Would you consider putting an ad or article (which I'd be glad to write if you like) in your newsletter regarding this issue? I'd also like to know more about the status of methadone clients in your area. Hope to hear back from you. Glad you are on the web. Robyn

The site really is looking good. I think you have most of the issues up. Now you can start adding other things -- like unpublished articles. - Joycelyn

Beth - The site looks fantastic. We should have a link to it from our site soon. It's exciting to me to see all of the methadone advocacy websites popping up now. - Jennifer

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