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The ultra-rapid opiate-detoxification program that helps patients withdrawing from addictive drugs [MEDICINE, June 1] was developed and patented by the CITA organization. It was a vindication of the safety of the CITA process to see the criticism of our so-called competitors, who perform unsafe variations of rapid detox in cheap storefronts. They exploit a desperate and vulnerable patient population. In contrast, CITA operates from prestigious hospitals, using the finest physicians and medical treatments. More than 500 patients have been effectively treated, affording an unprecedented opportunity for those addicted to heroin, methadone and narcotic painkillers to return to a functioning life after years of failed attempts at rehabilitation. BENNETT L. OPPENHEIM Clinical Director CITAmericas Inc. Fort Lee, N.J.
You flagged the importance of how popular entertainment shows like E.R. treat health issues. In fact, surveys conducted by this foundation show that 53% of E.R.'s regular viewers say they learn about vital health-care issues from watching the program, and 12% say they have contacted a medical professional because of something they saw on the show. As you noted, our foundation works with TV writers. One reason we do so is to help ensure that their portrayals of health issues are accurate and balanced. But to compare the public-health efforts of nonprofits like the foundation with those of for-profit companies pitching their wares is unfair and shortsighted. We work with writers and producers who want to entertain and educate at the same time--surely a plus for everyone. VICKY RIDEOUT, Director Entertainment Media & Public Health Program Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Menlo Park, Calif.
I am the pediatric anesthesiologist involved in the case of a 10-month-old boy addicted to methadone whose story was the basis for an E.R. episode. I feel you missed a major point in your report. While ultra-rapid detoxification may give false hope to some patients, drug addiction in infants and young children is different from that in adults. Ultra-rapid detoxification in selected infants and young children can free them from the effects of a dangerous drug addiction imposed on them by their mother. The baby in the case I handled was detoxified without incident in the intensive-care unit shortly after a successful major cardiac surgical procedure. In the weeks following the rapid detox, the child exhibited remarkable and profound improvement in his cognitive and neurologic development. Publicizing rapid detox through popular television shows has absolutely nothing to do with promoting medical business ideas that might be financially profitable to certain firms. This story was presented on E.R. because it was able to illuminate an important issue in medicine today. MARK GREENBERG, M.D. Director, Pediatric Pain Service UCSD Medical Center San Diego
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