I think it's fantastic that Rev. Milton Williams is sticking his neck out on behalf of addicts in Baltimore by proposing to open his clinic to more people in serious need of methadone treatment ("Pastor to open on-demand methadone clinic at church," June 24). One thing the article did not mention is that methadone does not make addicts high but reduces cravings that lead to drug-seeking behavior and crime.

However, it's imperative that readers know that methadone is also a highly effective primary treatment for chronic pain. It does not lead to addiction or make patients high. It simply reduces pain. It also works longer than many other prescription pain medicines. My daughter, who injured her spine in a ballet performance four years ago, is under the care of a highly-regarded pain medicine specialist who recommended methadone as the best option for managing her pain. She experienced allergies and negative side-effects from other prescription narcotics they tried first.

Unfortunately, because of methadone's relationship to addiction, she has encountered negative remarks relating to her medication with pharmacy techs and others assuming that she is a recovering addict. I hope this helps to clarify that methadone is not only used for addiction, but is also a lifeline for people with for chronic pain in hopes of leading a more productive life.

A. Cooper, Phoenix