MOTHER CHAMPIONS METHADONE PROGRAM FOR HALTON DRUG ADDICTS

Believes Son Would Still Be Alive Had Help Been Available

Betty-Lou Kristy wishes there had been help available to her son
before he died of a drug overdose at the age of 25.

It wasn't as if they didn't try. For years, Kristy and her son, Peter
Beattie, tried to find effective help but couldn't.

It was a mixed drug overdose that killed him - and a part of Kristy.

"There are no words to describe the loss of a child and the journey
of grieving that follows - a journey that will be with me for the
rest of my life," said Kristy, pointing to four photos of her son
projected onto a screen.

Now, Kristy is taking her sorrow and channeling it in an effort to
help others in similar circumstances.

She believes it's imperative to develop a Methadone Maintenance
Treatment (MMT) program in Halton.

"Had this been available for Pete, I know unequivocally that he would
be standing before you today," she said.

Kristy made her presentation to the health and social services
committee last week on the heels of a staff recommendation that
council support the creation of a Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Program for Halton if funding becomes available.

Committee members ended up supporting the recommendation.

MMT is a harm reduction treatment in which people addicted to drugs
manage their dependence by taking methadone, states a staff report.

"(It) helps people manage their opiate dependence and stabilize their
lives," the report states, adding it can be lifesaving.

Some of the benefits of MMT include lowering the risk of HIV/AIDS and
hepatitis C viruses by reducing the frequency of injecting drugs and
sharing needles. It also improves physical and mental health and
reduces criminal activity, the report states.

But it's a "harm reduction approach" and not a cure. There are
anywhere from 450-900 potential methadone patients in Halton, with
281 regional residents currently registered with such programs
outside Halton, the report states.

When Kristy was seeking help for her son - who became addicted to
opiate painkillers after they were prescribed for gastro-intestinal
flare-ups - the treatment available either didn't help or made things worse.

The physical withdrawal symptoms made it impossible for him to stop
using, she said.

"As Pete spiralled out of control, we both became terrified. I was
terrified for him and Pete was fast becoming more terrified of living
than dying."

Kristy's worst fears came true on Dec. 23, 2001 when her son died.

Following Kristy's presentation, the committee was addressed by a
28-year-old Oakville resident who said he'd tried unsuccessfully
numerous times to quit taking opiates and was then prescribed methadone.

He said he was able to stop all his opiate use one week later.

"My life did a complete 180 and I went from the brink of suicide to a
functioning member of society," he said.

Two years ago, a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Community Working
Group was formed and came to the conclusion MMT is needed in Halton.

The working group aims to complete a funding proposal for the
creation of such a program, which will be submitted to the
Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

"They've done super work," said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob
Nosal. "This has my 100 per cent support."

Responding to a question from a councillor, Nosal said he thinks the
chance of receiving funding from the LHIN is slim.

The item is to go before council today (Wednesday).