Methedone Clinics

[lebinky]

Hey guys, I have a couple of questions for you regarding methadone clinics, but first a little background. I work as a youth counselor for DJJ here in KY. I have a kid who is living with his step-mother (who is divorced from his biological father). The kid is making allegations that step-mom is selling the medication she receives from the clinic to the public.

First, do these clinics allow patients (addicts) to leave the clinic with medication? Somehow that doesn’t seem believable to me.

Second, if I understand correctly the medication substitutes for the effects of Meth and/or heroin. If this is true wouldn't the medication be just as addictive?

Third (and this is rhetorical), who in the hell ever thought that this was a good idea. Have you guys ever heard of anyone (besides the people running the clinic) benefit from this kind of treatment?

I know you guys probably can’t answer all these questions, but I’m sure you know more about the subject than I do and any help (especially with the first question) would be appreciated. On a side note, I find it sad that this kid can’t find transportation to my office (which is about a 15 min car ride from his house) to make his court ordered appointments with me, but step-mom can travel to Indiana daily for her Meth dose.

Thanks again….

[Valor55]

The way I understand it is the way heroin bonds to cells in your body is different than the way methadone does. Methadone will bond to the same receptors but it leaves easier. The detox from heroin is very painful and difficult whereas the detox from methadone is easier.

[MetPC]

I know a few clinics that do "take outs" although if thye knew she was selling it that would soon stop (+ the criminal implications).


The theory behind Methadone is similar to Nicotine patches, the patient is given enough to combat the massive withdrawal symptoms of heroin and the dose is gradually reduced. I've seen Methadone treatment work but like every other addiction it depends on the will power and determintation of the person concerned.

Methadone clinics themselves are a hot spot for drug dealers who like nothing more than trying to hook up the patients to keep them on heroin.

[jarobins]

First, do these clinics allow patients (addicts) to leave the clinic with medication?

Yes they can get take home medication after they have been in a program long enough. However, I have seen patients spit their medicine out of their mouth in the parking lot and sell the "used" Methadone.

Second, if I understand correctly the medication substitutes for the effects of Meth and/or heroin. If this is true wouldn't the medication be just as addictive?

Just about anything can be psychcologically addictive, but different narcotics have varying levels of physical addiction.

Third (and this is rhetorical), who in the hell ever thought that this was a good idea. Have you guys ever heard of anyone (besides the people running the clinic) benefit from this kind of treatment?

Methadone has legitimate place within the context of drug addiction (it also can be used for pain management). The Methadone clinics certainly make their money, but I suppose it is far better than 'Joe Blow the drug dealer' making the same money by selling them heroin. Some (far from most in my experience) Methadone patients actually have normal lives and contribute back to society. Very few heroin, meth, or crack users ever do anything more than become a drain on our economy.

FWIW, I investigated prescription related drug crimes for several years and actually met many respectable Methadone patients, who were essentially addicts. I have yet to meet a 'street drug' abuser who I would even consider labeling respectable.

[lebinky]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the info as I am pretty clueless on how a clinic like this operates. In fact my partner is on the phone right now with the kids CFC worker regarding the "take home" medication.

[retdetsgt]

Here they can't take from the clinic, period.

As far as withdrawal goes, more people die from detoxing from alcohol than from heroin. It's just another BS social work program that really does little good. The best place to buy good drugs is in front of any methadone clinic.

[Piggy]

I go to court this Thursday on a case I had of a guy selling a bottle of methadone.