Pubdate: Thu, 25 Oct 2012
Source: Gazette, The (London, CN ON Edu)
Copyright: 2012 The Gazette
Contact: http://www.westerngazette.ca/contact/
Website: http://www.westerngazette.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2548
Author: Cameron Michael Smith

METHADONE NOT LINKED TO CRIME

More evidence has recently arisen indicating the stigma surrounding
methadone clinics may be overblown. A recent study conducted by the
University of Maryland suggests crime rates in areas near methadone
clinics are not significantly higher than elsewhere. In fact, the
study found convenience stores experience higher crime in their
vicinity than methadone clinics.

According to Susan Boyd, lead researcher of the study, many people
associate methadone clinics with higher instances of crime, something
she hoped the study would dissuade.

"The perception among many in the public is that methadone clinics
increase crime, leading to difficulty opening new methadone clinics in
many cities and towns," Boyd explained. "We hope the study results
will lead to better acceptance of new and existing methadone clinics
in cities and towns across this country, and others."

Despite this, some still have an adverse perception regarding
methadone clinics in general. Recently, a London resident and Western
student led a protest against a methadone clinic opening near their
place of residence. The protest included photographing those entering
the clinic, and was viewed with considerable disdain by clinic
visitors and employees.

Some London councillors are inclined to agree methadone clinics have a
negative impact on a neighbourhood.

"Take a look at the Dundas Street clinic. Why are a thousand people
showing up to a pharmacy, hanging around and trading drugs, close to a
school? It's not conducive to good family environment," Dale
Henderson, Ward 9 councillor for the City of London, asserted. "I
think the people don't like what they see going on with drug issues on
any major street in town."

Henderson also questioned the reasoning behind methadone clinics being
privately owned and operated.

"Why is this being run by private businesses, with major money being
made, just because the regulations say we don't pay for drugs?" he
asked. "What's the documentation on the results?"

Not all city councillors are as opposed to methadone clinics as
Henderson, however.

"There is certainly perception around some of the methadone clinics
that they might be a scary or dangerous place," Harold Usher, Ward 12
councillor for the city, said. "I use the word perception because I
don't think anyone has asked these people who they are."

According to Usher, this perception stems primarily from a lack of
knowledge and awareness about the nature of the clinics themselves.

"There are lots of people who understand the use of methadone clinic,
and they have no fear of them, or the people that use them," Usher
explained. "But there are lots of people, also, who may not
understand, and they might say they don't want a clinic too close to
their backyard."

Usher encouraged a more informed awareness about methadone clinics, in
the hopes public perception would view them more favourably.
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