Pubdate: Thu, 11 Sep 2008
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n850/a05.html
Author: Robert Newman, MD

METHADONE IS A MEDICATION, SO 'USER' IS THE WRONG WORD

Re: Methadone users 'get pharmacy kickbacks,' Sept. 9

No one could fail to condemn people who are alleged to accept bribes 
such as this -- or, especially, those who offer them.

But The Sun's reporters and editors should reflect on the use of the 
term "methadone users." Whatever the intent, the clear message is one 
of disdain. These individuals receive a medication from specially 
licensed physicians as part of a treatment regimen known for 40 years 
to be highly effective.

Can you imagine describing diabetics, even those who are woefully 
non-compliant with medical advice, as "insulin users"?

Robert Newman, MD

New York City
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom