Pubdate: Sun, 13 Feb 2005
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2005, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Tracy Dash
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

EAST GULFPORT BLOCKS CLINIC

GULFPORT - What is methadone?

Methadone was synthesized in Germany during World War II as a
substitute for morphine when supplies of opium from Turkey were cut
off by the United States and its allies.

It was brought into the United States in 1947, and has been used
primarily as a treatment for narcotic addictions, primarily heroin and
painkillers such as OxyContin, Lortab and hydrocodone. It prevents
withdrawal symptoms and helps reduce drug cravings in opiate-dependent
people.

Methadone is a DEA Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential
for abuse, has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the
United States and abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to
severe psychological or physical dependence.

It also is sold as Dolophine, Methadose and Amidone.

- - HISTORY OF METHADONE WEB SITE

A private company that planned to open a methadone treatment clinic in
East Gulfport has changed its mind after nearby residents and
businesses voiced their opposition.

Officials with Alternative for Life Treatment and Recovery said the
company will look for a location in Harrison County or a neighboring
county.

Reuben Bienvenue said the company decided against plans to open the
clinic on Vision Oaks Boulevard, just off Switzer Road near
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Jeff Davis campus when it
learned that children wait for school buses in front of the building.

"It's not an appropriate spot," he said. "We are concerned about the
community."

The issue came to a head at Wednesday's City Council meeting when
Councilman Ricky Dombrowski, whose ward includes Switzer Road, said he
adamantly opposes the clinic in that location.

Councilman Billy Hewes, on the other hand, supports the idea of a
clinic. He believes treating heroin addicts will eradicate drug problems.

"There is a demand for this kind of service in our area," he said.
"These people who have got these problems in the city need help and we
need to try to help them."

Methadone clinics dispense doses of the drug to opiate addicts. Opiate
substances include heroin and prescription painkillers such as
oxycodone and hydrocodone. Methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms and
helps reduce drug cravings in opiate-dependent people.

The company's decision came as the state Department of Mental Health
confirmed Friday that Alternative for Life Treatment and Recovery did
not meet the state requirements necessary to open. For example, local
law enforcement did not endorse the clinic at the proposed location,
said Roger McMurtry, chief of the Bureau of Mental Health.

Company representatives visited Gulfport officials and law enforcement
officers in November asking for their support. The mayor, Hewes and
Harrison County Sheriff George Payne Jr. wrote letters of
endorsement.

Police Chief Steve Barnes declined to endorse the clinic because he
didn't have enough facts about methadone. He since has researched the
drug and told the council he doesn't support a clinic in Gulfport.

"Heroin is not a problem on the Coast," Barnes told the council
Wednesday, adding that it is a problem in New Orleans. He said between
70 and 75 percent of drug violations are from the use of crack cocaine
and marijuana.

Bienvenue said he expects about 90 percent of the people who would be
treated by a clinic in South Mississippi to be addicted to
prescription painkillers.

Payne wrote a letter endorsing the clinic a few months ago, but
recently sent the company another letter retracting his support of it
in that location.

"We need a treatment facility," he said, "but in a more industrial
area."

Dr. H. Westley Clark, director of the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, echoed Payne's remarks.

He said studies show Mississippi residents, including those on the
Gulf Coast, are traveling to Louisiana and Alabama for treatment.
There are no such clinics in Mississippi, though applications are pending.

Methadone, he said, "is a well-established strategy in the country" to
treat opiate addicts.

Clark also said there are studies that show Mississippi is plagued
with prescription drug abuse and that he believes the state needs a
clinic to treat the problem.

He said Mississippians should ask themselves whether they want addicts
to buy drugs on the underground market or get controlled treatment
from legal clinics.

"They're in the best position to dispense this," Clark said.

Treating addicts

Methadone treatment has been used effectively and safely to treat
opiate addiction for more than 30 years.

Properly prescribed methadone is not intoxicating or sedating, and its
effects do not interfere with ordinary activities such as driving a
car.

The medication is taken orally and it suppresses narcotic withdrawal
for 24 to 36 hours. Patients are able to perceive pain and have
emotional reactions.

Methadone relieves the craving associated with heroin, a reason for
relapse.

Its effects last for about 24 hours so people in treatment take it
only once a day. Also, methadone is medically safe even when used
continuously for 10 years or more.

- - NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin