Communities across the country have routinely fought methadone clinics in their neighborhoods, claiming they bring with them crime and blight. In Antioch, Calif., a federal judge ruled last month that civil rights law allows a methadone clinic to move into a residential neighborhood despite the city's claim that it would be unsafe. Methadone is a synthetic drug prescribed to blunt the craving for heroin and ease withdrawal symptoms. Many researchers believe it is the best hope for recovering heroin addicts, allowing them to hold down jobs and contribute to society. Methadone is addictive, but only provides a high for the first month or so of use.
Addicts drink daily doses of the liquid narcotic.
A report released late last year by a panel of scientists convened by the National Institutes of Health said heroin abuse is a treatable disease and urges the expansion of methadone programs. More needs to be done at the state level, too, he said. McCaffrey said those states need to change their policies. In response to a question posed by a conference attendee from Vermont, McCaffrey singled out Vermont's Gov. Howard Dean, who has said he fears the legalization of methadone will bring heroin addicts to his state. McCaffrey's official title is director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.