ANOTHER WALL THAT CRUMBLED - METHADONE-MAINTENANCE TREATMENT IN GERMANY

During the past quarter-century there have been innumerable reports th roughout the world documenting the effectiveness of methadone maintena nce treatment. None have been as consistently positive as those from G ermany, where just a few years ago methadone was effectively banned. T he German accomplishments in the past 6 years in treating addicts with methadone confirm the experience elsewhere: Methadone treatment is a highly desired alternative to many who wish to escape the life of the street addict; it is very effective in benefiting the individual patie nt as well as the general community; and it can be expanded rapidly an d on a large scale. What is needed today is not further discussion but a firm commitment to make treatment available on request to every add ict willing to accept it. With methadone maintenance-one treatment app roach among many-this goal is achievable. There is no justification fo r settling for less.