ADDICTS NEED AS MUCH HELP AS THEY CAN GET

To the Editor:

Holly Edwards researched and talked to all the correct individuals in her
March 28 articles regarding OxyContin and the impact this drug has in
Nashville and in the state.

There was an error in both of her articles that I would like to address. Ms.
Edwards refers to both the Nashville and Memphis clinics as state methadone
clinics. What a delight to wake up one morning and find at least three state
wide methadone clinics across the state or a commitment from the state to
give each of the seven methadone clinics at least 50 free slots for
individuals who are dealing with an opiate addiction.

Each of the clinics are for-profit and I do not say that with criticism. If
it were not for the doctors who own and operate the clinics, we would join
the nine or 10 states across the country without any methadone clinics.

To my knowledge, the state does not support financially any methadone
clinic.

There is a discussion on the Hill to cut TennCare for reimbursement of
methadone. Hopefully, our elected officials will research the issue and use
the best science available to stop HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, crime, overdose
deaths, emergency room visits and allow for a quality of life for the many
individuals who are attempting to recover their lives from addiction.

Joyce Perkins