Pubdate: Thu, 02 Oct 2003 Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC) Copyright: 2003 Sun Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987 Note: apparent 150 word limit on LTEs Author: David Klepper METHADONE CLINIC TO FILL HORRY VOID A Greenville-based drug counselor hopes by year's end to open Horry County's first methadone clinic near Fantasy Harbour. The clinic will occupy a renovated building on the corner of George Bishop Parkway and Outlet Mall Road that once housed the Platinum 501 dance club, according to operator Larry Worley. Worley already operates a Greenville clinic and once tried to open one in Socastee. Worley has the approval of local officials to open the new clinic and is awaiting final permits from state and federal regulators. Methadone is a synthetic opiate used to treat addiction to other opiates, such as heroin and morphine. Methadone clinics have elicited the wrath of residents in many cities because of fear the clinics could lure drug addicts and criminals. Few residents were aware of the clinic's plans. County Councilman Mike Ryan, whose district includes Fantasy Harbour, said he had not heard about it, either. "I have some concerns," he said. "This is another example of how our zoning needs to be changed and tightened up." In 1998, Socastee residents bitterly opposed Worley's plans for a clinic there, prompting the state General Assembly to ban any new methadone clinics until the state wrote new rules. Horry County and Myrtle Beach followed up with stricter zoning rules for where clinics can be located. The clinic, to be called Center of Hope of Myrtle Beach, will distribute methadone during morning hours. As required by law, it is more than 2,000 feet from any church, school or home. The clinic was approved in July 2002 by the county Board of Zoning Appeals. "They went through the proper zoning channels," said County Zoning Administrator Roland Meyer. "They met the conditions." Worley said he selected the location because it is relatively far from homes, schools and churches. "We really did not want to offend anyone," Worley said. The clinic is near where developers hope to build a 143-acre Hard Rock Park, a theme park with rides, attractions and an outdoor music venue. "We consider ourselves part of the community, and we would have the same concerns as anybody else," said developer Jon Binkowski, who said he was unaware of the clinic plans and declined further comment. Worley has worked in drug-abuse treatment for more than a decade and said residents often oppose methadone clinics out of fear. "[Methadone] has 30 years of science behind it," he said. "We want to serve the population that needs help." He said addicts now must travel to Wilmington, N.C., or Charleston if they want methadone treatment. Anderson, Columbia and Fort Mill also have clinics. "This is the only area of the state that doesn't have a narcotics treatment facility," he said. The future clinic is at the site of the former Platinum 501 club, which closed last year after repeated problems with crime, including one nonfatal shooting. Platinum 501 was the first business to have its business license revoked in Horry County. Across the street is a Burger King - since closed - that was the site of a double murder last year. Kevin Frazier, who works at the nearby Exxon gas station, said several customers have asked about the future methadone clinic. "I say it can't be much worse that what was already there," he said. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - -------- How methadone works What it is | Methadone is a synthetic drug chemically similar to heroin and morphine. What it does | Taken orally, it blocks an addict's need for the drug without producing a high. History | It has been used for decades. Result | When coupled with counseling, drug-abuse treatment experts say it can allow an addict to return to a healthy lifestyle. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart