METHADONE CLINIC A GOOD IDEA

Plans to bring a methadone clinic to Chatham-Kent have a lot of merit.
At a time when we're trying to hold on to health services, it's good
to hear someone talking about introducing new ones.

Methadone is used in the treatment of addictions to either illicit
drugs or pain killers. Currently, clients need to travel to Sarnia,
Windsor, or London to undergo treatment. Being able to have the
service in Chatham-Kent would make an important health care tool
available locally.

The idea is being promoted by a group that includes the Chatham-Kent
Addiction Treatment Centre, Ontario Works and the local AIDS group.

A spokesman for a group, John Zarebski of Mental Health and Addiction,
says he's buoyed by interest shown by a couple of physicians in Sarnia
and London. But he cautions that it's "very early" in the process.

The plan received a boost last year when the Chatham-Kent Public
Health Board agreed to look into the issue.

Methadone can help wean people off their prescription drug addiction
that can often lead to a lifestyle of crime. It doesn't break the
addiction, but substitutes for the addictive drug.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to setting up a clinic anywhere is
getting physicians who are interested in overseeing the program.
Still, it's a project worth pursuing.