Pubdate: Sat, 05 Aug 2017
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Alison Malott
Page: A10

OPIOID-SPECIFIC REHAB NEEDED

I just read an article about how one solution to the opioid crisis is
to have doctors prescribe less pain medication.

The result will be fewer drugs available on the street and higher
prices. Hence, more pharmacy robberies and theft. Addicts will also
turn to other drugs. Then we will be looking at a heroin crisis.

I am a drug counsellor in Essex County and literally go to the
dealers' houses to give them clean supplies and take out the dirty
ones. Lately, I have sadly been giving out naloxone kits with as much
training as they will listen to.

I have taken my clients to methadone clinics and it is beyond
baffling. It is like an assembly line and, oh yes, they see a doctor
once a week. I have gone in with a few clients and it is a doctor by
video who doesn't engage at all. One time, the doctor didn't even look
up from his paperwork. There is no talk or encouragement to get off
methadone.

The rare occasion when these addicts come to me for help and want to
go to a rehab, there is nothing for them. I called all over Ontario
and found two rehab centres that allow methadone patients, if they are
on a low dose. I get the concept of being 100 per cent clean. But why
don't we have a rehab facility specifically for this opioid crisis?

I would love to know how much these methadone clinics are making. If
the public wants to know why it's an epidemic, it's the almighty dollar.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says one step is to make marijuana more
available. Interesting, because a month ago I took a client to get
medical marijuana to help with withdrawal and the doctor refused. He
said as soon as he hears substance abuse, you are going to be denied.

Alison Malott, Essex
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MAP posted-by: Matt