We were surprised and disappointed to read Mike Fitzpatrick's review column 'Older addicts', as we feel it is inaccurate and ill-judged. We have no problem with The Review articles being controversial but we do expect some attempt to justify controversial views with evidence.Fitzpatrick makes sweeping statements about one of the therapeutic mainstays of drug dependency. The evidence base -for methadone as an opiate substitution therapy is strong and recognised by the national guidelines and the recently published RCGP guidance. On an individual level a person on methadone is less likely to die, commit crimes, or get blood-borne viruses.
展开▼
