SUBSTITUTIVE THERAPY OF HEROINE ADDICT BY METHADONE IN FRANCE - SIGNIFICANCE, LIMITATIONS AND PRACTICE IN FRANCE

The authors present a review of literature and their personal experien ce concerning the practice of methadone substitutive therapy for heroi n addicts in France. In their experience, the use of methadone, within the frame of a controlled administration and in the perspective of a specific pharmaco-therapeutic profile, is a valuable therapeutical opt ion. Otherwise, methadone could only induce a new and further pharmaco logical dependance. The use of methadone has often been the subject of controversies overlooking the clinical reality of drug addiction. The refore, a controlled use of methadone remains a valuable therapeutic t ool if its indications are strictly delimited.