CITY METHADONE CLINIC PONDERED

CALGARY -- The province's addictions agency is struggling to help
people trying to kick heroin - especially those in Calgary who don't
have access to a methadone clinic.

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission's sole methadone clinic
in Edmonton is swamped, said the agency's CEO, adding that out-of-town
patients are forced to find accommodations for the 30-day program.

"We're struggling to meet demand," said Murray Finnerty.

He said the agency is studying the "feasibility" of opening a Calgary
clinic, and notes it's been a priority before but has been put aside
because of funding constraints.

It's estimated that running a Calgary clinic would cost $1 million a
year.

"It would take a tremendous load off the Edmonton clinic," Finnerty
said.

About one-third of the clients who use the Edmonton clinic are from
the Calgary area. The clinic helps 200 addicts a year and another 100
are estimated to be waiting for care.