METHADONE THERAPY FOR HEROIN USERS - VALU E, LIMITATIONS AND USE IN FRANCE

Practices in France regarding methadone therapy for heroine users are discussed based on a review of the literature and the authors' persona l experience. Without stringent prescription rules, methadone could be come an additional addictive substance responsible for dependency. The specific pharmacoclinical characteristics of methadone are discussed. Methadone dispensed under controlled conditions is a valuable option in some heroine users. The current heated debate over methadone therap y ignores the clinical reality of drug abuse. The use of methadone the rapy according to strict ethical and technical rules deserves to be ex panded.