Pubdate: Mon, 02 Feb 2004 Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC) Copyright: 2004 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: Justin Bergman, The Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone) LEGISLATION PUSHES FOR METHADONE CLINIC RULES RICHMOND (AP)- As communities in western Virginia struggle to cope with the drug abuse wrought by OxyContin, legislation introduced at the General Assembly could severely restrict where certain treatment clinics are allowed to be located. Two bills face a final vote in the Senate this week. One would prohibit any methadone clinic within half a mile of a school or day-care center, and another would require the state to notify localities when a methadone clinic is proposed in their area. Both bills aim to protect communities from the ill effects some associate with methadone clinics: drug dealing and increased crime. Advocates say localities are often unaware that privately run clinics have even applied for a license until it's too late to oppose the location. "Methadone treatment is for the most severe addictions, and what I've heard a lot of my citizens say, they recognize the need for treatment, but in the right setting," said Sen. William C. Wampler, R-Bristol, a co-sponsor of the legislation along with Sen. J. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County. Western Virginia already has three methadone clinics - in Galax, Tazewell County and Charlottesville - that largely treat addicts of the prescription painkiller OxyContin. Police have not encountered serious crime around the clinics in Galax and Tazewell County. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom