BANNING METHADONE CLINICS IN COQUITLAM WILL HURT ADDICTS

The Editor,

Re. "Coq. bans 'undesirable' businesses" (The Tri-City News, July 15).

Regarding the Coquitlam city council's recent decision to ban
methadone clinics, I wish to voice how disgusted I am with this
decision. Methadone clinics are viable treatment options for
individuals struggling with addiction issues. To ban these clinics
from operating in the city serves to only further exacerbate the
problems faced by individuals seeking treatment.

Methadone clinics have a proven track record within Canada in
supporting individuals facing addiction-related issues. Methadone in
and of itself is a proven method of treatment; by giving the patient
access to a stable supply of legal, pharmaceutical-grade medication,
he is provided with a respite from the stress of maintaining a
constant supply of illicit drugs.

Consequently, the use of methadone reduces the use of opioids and
other substances (e.g., cocaine) and provides for a reduction in
criminal activity and prostitution.

Methadone reduces mortality rates and thus serves as a bridge to
stabilization and reintegration. The clinics themselves, due to the
educational services provided, see a reduction of injected related
mishaps such as wounds, abscesses and other bacteriological
infection. Additional benefits come from a reduction in transmission
of HIV, HCV, STI and other blood-related pathogens.

Individuals who use methadone see improvement, physically and
mentally, with social functioning and quality of life becoming
normal. For women who are pregnant, methadone decreases obstetrical
and fetal complications, protecting the fetus from erratic opioid
levels and frequent opioid withdrawal symptoms.

These benefits, which I have only briefly described, have been
effectively barred for any resident of Coquitlam. Barring methadone
clinics from operating is akin to suggesting residents of Coquitlam
do not have any drug problems, a notion that is false, short-sighted
and ignorant.

Coquitlam does have drug problems. We have illicit substances in our
high schools and we have adults facing their own issues. With a
growing awareness that support and services are needed to help
individuals facing addiction issues, this city should be encouraging
methadone clinics. It also should be encouraging and supporting other
drug-related services. We should not be going backwards - but sadly,
this is what has happened.

Gerry Gramozis, Coquitlam