When used correctly, the medications block the "highs" of other opiate narcotics, such as heroin, and suppress withdrawal symptoms, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

LAAM was recently approved in Pennsylvania and one dose can last 72 hours, while a dose of methadone can last 24 to 48 hours, depending on the dosage.

Both drugs are safe if dispensed correctly and treatment goals include reducing the illicit use of drugs, which may cut back on criminal behavior.

The Harrisburg Discovery House, a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Methadone Providers, dispenses the drug to about 160 individuals -- 55 percent of whom receive daily dosages.

The remaining 45 percent receive treatment two to three times a week, said Lisa Murray, the facility's director.

The facility serves people in the York, State College, Hazleton, Lancaster, Lebanon and Harrisburg areas.

Discovery House dispenses the drug in its liquid form, the most popular option.

The liquid dosage can be increased or decreased in one-milligram increments instead of five-milligram units like the solid form.

"(Methadone) is addictive. However, it is a healthy drug," Murray said, adding it is a synthetic narcotic opiate that does not pose major health problems for users.

In addition, methadone and LAAM also decrease high-risk behavior linked to narcotics use, such as sharing needles, prostitution and criminal activities.

Murray said there are no major side effects, but some patients have noticed weight gain, constipation and sexual dysfunction, which are usual symptoms of prolonged opiate narcotic use in general.

Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services Inc. is an outpatient facility advocating a drug-free lifestyle.

Therefore, it is opposed to any type of drug maintenance, said Lynn Barto, a treatment supervisor at the clinic.

"We're not against the drug methadone. We're against methadone maintenance," she said.

Barto said narcotics users become dependent on the daily dosages of methadone used to eliminate the painful symptoms of withdrawal.

This dependence, Barto said, can exist for years.

The clinic, which does not dispense any medication, instead offers 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous self-help programs.