Pubdate: Mon, 24 Jan 2005
Source: Kenora Daily Miner And News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Kenora Daily Miner and News
Contact:  http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/855
Author: Shelley Bujold
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

METHADONE CLINIC FOR DRUG TREATMENT

A methadone clinic is being established in Kenora to help curb a problem 
that has been in the underground for some time.

This controversial method of drug treatment is what some people who are fed 
up with their addiction turn to because of its effective way of quenching 
the cravings. Methadone does not make a person high nor does it offer a 
person an instant fix to a drug problem, said Marlene Mymryk, community 
programs co-ordinator.

"You can go back to work and function in a normal way," she said. "In some 
sense if gives that person back their life."

Methadone is a treatment prescribed by a doctor and administered to a 
person on a daily basis under supervision. It's a liquid drink absorbed by 
the body to stop drug cravings usually uncontrollable by the person. The 
methadone impacts the same receptors in the brain which crave an addictive 
substance and allows the person to stabilize themselves.

"They're (methadone clinics) extremely, extremely, tightly regulated," said 
Mymryk.

At the moment the clinic isn't officially open but it has been generating 
buzz in the community -- nearly 50 people have already contacted organizers 
as to how they can get more information. By mid-February, the program will 
begin under the auspices of Addiction Services Kenora and accommodate up to 
about 50 people at first -- in the future organizers want to have as many 
as 100 if needed.

Methadone treatment seekers previously had to re-locate to Winnipeg or 
Thunder Bay -- this way it will help rehabilitate them where they're 
comfortable.

"It's not just a methadone clinic," said Dr. Sean Moore, chief of staff at 
the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and part organizer of the clinic. 
"It's a need-driven pilot project."

Those interested in the program must have already tried to axe their 
addiction before turning to methadone. Each person is assessed individually 
to get the help they need, not just a quick fix, said Moore. Counseling is 
a major part of the program which helps each person with the problems they 
are having while getting back to normal, as well it helps them deal with 
the past. Mymryk said it's a team approach because they want these people 
to succeed rather than fall back on their habit.

A clear urine test must be passed regularly. Although methadone users 
cannot feel the impact their drug of choice would normally give them, they 
can take it regardless because it's become very habitual.

A contract is signed between the clinic and the person seeking services to 
help ensure they stick with their outlined program.

Some users stay on methadone for very long periods of time, while others 
are much shorter. But on average, pointed out the methadone maintenance 
treatment client handbook, users are on it for one to two years.

More information can be found by calling community programs at 467-3555.