Source: USA Today (US) Contact: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nfront.htm Pubdate: 24 Aug 1998 Section: Page 3A Author: John Bacon METHADONE TREATMENT New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is going ahead with a controversial plan to wean 2,000 patients in methadone maintenance treatment from the medication. Many drug abuse experts have expressed serious concern about the action, with drug Czar Barry McCaffrey predicting: "Close down methadone programs and (addicts) will be back on the streets, back on drugs, and back on welfare." Giuliani has also recommended that an additional 30,000 patients receiving methadone in private New York City clinics cease receiving treatment. The mayor's plan includes providing counseling and job training for the program patients. - --- Checked-by: Mike Gogulski