I am writing in regard to the MMT (methadone maintenance treatment) question in Bangor. My life partner and I have been on MMT for about four years. Methadone saved my life, gave a mother back to her three children and gave me hope. During this time I have only had one relapse. For 10 days I put myself on a detox and continued my process of healing and learning. Methadone is part of a successful treatment.

Most people do not realize that heroin addicts who go to NA (Narcotics Anonymous) have a slim chance of recovering and still are going to meetings after a year. I don+t like the way the clinics are set up, but I need that medication. Methadone improves those odds by 50 to 60 percent.

It is part of the healing process. I also have an outside psychotherapist to help me with emotional issues. I have an honest relationship with my doctor in dealing with issues of anxiety and pain. There are many myths surrounding this medication. It does not make one high in any way. I have never in my four years on methadone felt any euphoric effect from it. If anything I feel normal on methadone. I can function. I do not think about drugs or live on the street anymore. I have food in the house. I am here for my kids. I am an advocate for MMT patients, abuse survivors and the mentally ill. Those three things go hand in hand.

Methadone replaces endorphins (natural narcotics) which addicts lack. Most addicts are intelligent people and are basically self-medicating. What we need is a more informed public; a society that chooses out of love rather than fear. If you would choose out of love you would see how successful this treatment is and ask us about it.

Why is it not mainstreamed into the medical community as it should be and why are people afraid of clinics? You would be surprised the people who are on MMT; doctors, lawyers, your next-door neighbor, the box boy at the grocery store who smiles at you. This addiction does not discriminate and if you choose out of fear you lose. Crime goes up. People who are on MMT have no need for heroin and demand goes down. People get help.

Thank you, Dr. Franklin Bragg (BDN letter, June 6). You are absolutely right and this is a medical issue, not a political one. Imagine diabetics having to get their insulin at a clinic every day and being punished if they slipped and ate a doughnut.

To check out some information about this subject please go to our Web site at http://dacgallery.homestead.com/Homepageartistsdisabilities.html. The Artists Within site is for addicts on and not on MMT; we have a forum, prayer list, alternative (no 12-step) models of recovery, stories and frequently asked questions. There are 20 very important pages http://dacgallery.homestead.com/relatedurgent.html.

Betsy A. Foster lives in Portland.