It is managed addiction. Clients are not expected to ever stop, although they can have themselves weaned off if they choose. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the methadone programme, and opinions regarding its effectiveness vary. While the clinic in New Plymouth denies it, users say it is harsher on the body than other drugs. One problem is the effect it has on people's teeth.
Clients find big hunks breaking off once they have been on it for a while.
Police and health authorities agree the Methadone Programme is far from perfect, but maintain it's better than nothing. New Zealand has a steadily increasing drug abuse problem. In 1997 the Ministry of Health said that while there were 2500 places available on the programme nationally, another 2000 were needed immediately. They expected that figure to rise 30 per cent in the foreseeable future. The solution is not more police, more methadone or better counsellors.