In 2002, 33 of the 126 drug overdose deaths in the state involved methadone. In the first half of 2003, 14 of the 46 overdose deaths were linked to methadone.

A significant decline was also realized in Portland. In 2002, there were 28 methadone overdose deaths in the city, up from 16 the year before. But in 2003, the death rate in Portland dropped to nine.

"I'm cautiously optimistic," said Kim Johnson, director of Maine's Office of Substance Abuse. "This was a better year than the year before but still relatively high, and we're still working on it, and we're working on it with treatment and education."

A number of steps taken in 2002 are showing positive results. For instance, clinics implemented measures to stop individuals being treated for heroin addiction from selling or giving away their methadone.

In addition, the state increased penalties for those who provide methadone to those who fatally overdose.

"We have expanded our efforts and energies to divert drug addicts from prison to treatment. However, drug traffickers and furnishers deserve to go to prison, and we will continue to seek stiff prison sentences for them," said Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson.

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