Methadone

Gr 5-9--Simpson provides a brief history of narcotics and their use, with special emphasis on the dangers of heroin. She outlines the physiological effects of the drug, the dangers of injecting and overdosing, and its negative impact on society. She then discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of the use of methadone as a treatment for heroin addiction. The presentation is readable, informative, and well organized; there are no pat answers, but readers are encouraged to review the issues and to think critically about them. Vignettes effectively illustrate selected points, such as the addict's desperation for his next fix and a methadone patient's outpatient clinic experience. The author provides helpful definitions and additional medical explanations throughout. Black-and-white and full-color photos reinforce major ideas. While advanced readers might prefer Donald Hutchings's more detailed Methadone (Chelsea House, 1985), Simpson's book provides a clear concise, and easy-to-read overview.

Sheila G. Shellabarger, Fordham Health Sciences Library, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

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