- -PORTER PROBATION OFFICERS LEARN OF METHADONE ALTERNATIVE

Chief Neil Hannon Likes Short-Term Use Of The Treatment

Valparaiso -- Officials at the Porter County Adult Probation
Department planned to meet today to hear about a drug that is touted
as an alternative to methadone for those hoping to free themselves
from heroin addiction.

Porter County Adult Probation Chief Neil Hannon said he is encouraged
by buprenorphine and its promise as a short-term treatment, as
opposed to long-term use of methadone. Both buprenorphine and
methadone are replacement drugs and both are supposed to be used as
short-term treatment, said Carmen Arlt, director of chemical
dependency and addiction for Porter-Starke Services Inc.

Buprenorphine, which is being dispensed through Porter-Starke and by
other certified doctors in the county, is designed for short-term
opiate users, not long-time heroin addicts, she said. Its use is
further limited in that the dosage is capped, which means it may not
be strong enough for some drug users.

"The golden standard is methadone treatment,' Arlt said.

Hannon said his intention is to educate the probation officers about
buprenorphine so it can be presented to clients as one of the options
available to them. The officers have no power to require clients to
pursue any specific treatment, he said.