Pubdate: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 Source: Newsday (NY) Copyright: 1999, Newsday Inc. Contact: http://www.newsday.com/ Author: George W. Benedict METHADONE'S NO PANACEA Regarding the editorial "Giuliani Rethinks Drug Treatment" {Jan. 20}: Mayor Rudolph Guiliani is right in this case. The patients who receive methadone not only abuse it but sell their "spit-backs" to other addicts. That sounds disgusting, doesn't it? But that is what takes place in the real world, which obviously is not the world of Newsday. Although there are a few who have returned to productive society on methadone, most are still using it, along with whatever else they can use, and continue on the program because they receive public assistance. The system is shooting itself in the foot by becoming the addict's chief enabler. Short-term methadone use has its place in a controlled environment; but it has been proved over years of clinical studies that acupuncture, along with treatment, also dissipates the cravings of the heroin addict. Methadone is enslaving hundreds of thousands of people and preventing them from getting on with their lives. George W. Benedict. Westhampton Beach. Editor's Note: The writer is chairman of the board of the Seafield Center, a rehabilitation facility. - --- MAP posted-by: Mike Gogulski