'Methadone Clinics'

Some four years ago, numerous agencies in Windsor/Essex, both non-governmental and governmental, set-up what is known as: The Windsor/Essex Drug Strategy.  There were many interested parties and many well meaning people.  But the 'The Drug Strategy' was flawed from it's inception, because it included what is known as; 'The Four Pillar' Model, or approach. These 'Four Pillars' are: Prevention, Treatment, Enforcement and Harm Reduction.  Personally, having been involved in the Windsor/Essex drug Strategy and opposing the 'Harm Reduction Pillar', or Model, I do believe that there were, and are individuals that had agendas, lacked knowledge and emotionalized the issue to be of any real help or direction.  Harm Reduction, provides the means to use drugs 'safely'. If there is such an animal, I know it not!  Individuals who use drugs need treatment, not enabling, because in the end they wind-up DEAD!  Anyone that tells you there is kinder, gentler, softer way is misinformed and inexperienced.

Methadone 'treatment' is part and parcel to 'The Harm Reduction' model.  Methadone was invented in 1939 and was used extensively in the 1960's and 70's to aid Veterans of Vietnam to over-come Heroine and Opium addiction.  The ambition was not completely successful, as many died, both veterans and civilians.  Now, what is 'old' is 'new' again, and there are what I perceive as profiteers engaging in the wholesale methadone ideology as a 'cure-all' for every addiction, including alcohol!!!  Individuals who endorse such a course are flawed.  Any person who is addicted to any 'addictive' substance need to realize change and that should be done in a 'Treatment' setting.  Unfortunately, monies that could and should be used for treatment have been put towards 'Harm Reduction' and at present the Province of Ontario only provides a 21-day program, even for Cocaine and Methamphetamine.  Where is the logic??  I have been to Queens Park on this issue twice in the last year, attempting to persuade individuals to put monies into 90-day programs. 

An unfortunate side effect is 'Methadone Clinics' springing up all over the country with little supervision, or knowledge about there function and affect on an area.  These 'Clinics' are notorious for destroying neighbourhoods, escalating crime and drug litter, including methadone dispensing bottles, cups and used needles.  Methadone is very addictive and lethal to non-opiate addicts.  Children especially the very young should be kept as far away as possible from any methadone contact. 

Rob Cheshire C.A.C. II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Celebrate Recovery