METHADONE CLINIC BURSTS AT SEAMS

The Methadone Clinic in Prince George is so busy it can't take any more
clients until there's a second doctor on board, said founder Bill Leslie.

"We have 40 to 50 new clients that want to get onto the program, but we
have to turn them away at this time," said Leslie, who's searching for a
doctor who'll serve at the clinic one day every two weeks.

Dr. Ian Postnikoff comes to the MetaClinic, 825 Second Ave. three days a week.

"He's caring for 100 clients, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
B.C. say that's enough for one doctor," said Leslie.

"I've approached a lot of doctors in the city, but they are all too
overworked. It's not that they're not interested. They just don't have
time," Leslie said.

The methadone clinic was established in October, 1999, to treat addicts of
mind or mood-altering drugs.

In an earlier interview, clinic registered nurse June Postnikoff said once
clients stabilize, the methadone is decreased by two to five milligrams per
week.

She said methadone works because it coats the drug receptors in the brain,
stopping the craving of drugs like heroin and easing withdrawal symptoms.

The clinic has served about 350 clients since it opened, and the success
rate has been great, said Leslie.

"We measure the success rate by the number of clients who have returned to
school and employment, and by the numbers of clients who've continued to
stay clean.

"We have a number of clients who've been clean for one to 1 1/2 years, and
some have become successful mothers with healthy babies, " said Leslie, who
pegs the success rate at about 80%.

"There are a few clients that returned to drugs for one reason or another,
but most have returned to the program and have regained control of their
lives," Leslie said.

"But anyone who's trying to get back on the program right now is out of
luck until we find a doctor," said Leslie. "We're looking for another
doctor for the Nanaimo clinic as well," said Leslie.