METHADONE TREATMENT NOT WELL UNDERSTOOD

People need education about methadone, the clientele and what it all
entails.

Methadone clinics exist for recovering addicts, not drug-dealers. I
don't know Braeside, but do they object to any AA meetings held in
that area? Recovering alcoholics? Are they afraid some of the
alcoholics will try to get their kids hooked on booze?

That they might be held up at knife-point for money for booze? I think
not.

I saw a well-dressed, apparently educated woman on the news saying she
feared for the safety of women and children in the community.

What is she afraid of? Methadone users will not share their
medication, will not try to attack and rob you.

They go to the clinic to get help for whatever addiction or pain they
are going through.

I would be far more scared if there were not a methadone clinic in
Calgary. I was a client at the clinic for 15 months for chronic pain.
I saw the primary doctor/psychiatrist about once a week. My dosage of
methadone was carefully monitored, plus, if I was not comfortable with
the dosage or anything else, I would phone and was instantly connected
to the doctor for re-adjustment of my meds and my state of mind.

I am not a drug addict. I was working for IBM in a responsible
position at the time I started at the clinic, but had to leave my job
due to debilitating pain. Whilst in the waiting room, I met many
people anxious to share their stories. I became very proud of the
husband and wife team that walked into the clinic, hand-in-hand to get
counselling and medication.And the crackhead who was so very tired of
living on the street chasing his next fix and wanted to become a
"real" person -- a functioning member of society. There are many
stories of why people seek out methadone clinics.

Besides addiction to street drugs, there are people in severe pain. In
Calgary, the Chronic Pain Centre has a waiting list of two years.

At the methadone clinic, one can walk in, in deep distress, and be
seen within a few hours.

People may be surprised to know that their local Safeway, and other
pharmacies dispense methadone on a doctor's prescription.

Are they afraid to walk into their local pharmacy in case they
encounter a "drug addict?"

I no longer need or want methadone.

I had successful surgery that alleviated my intense pain, but I will
forever be grateful to the compassionate staff at the clinic. Why the
fear? We should be grateful that there exists a solution!

Nancy Charbonneau

(Thanks for an illuminating look at the issue.)