"Those people" deserve respect not scorn

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Dr. Brian Hadley

Dear Editor,

In response the recent article on Methadone clinics, I felt I had to respond. After 30 years as a family doctor, I changed direction and now care for almost 300 Methadone patients at two clinics, First Step Belleville and the Napanee MMT clinic. It is the most personally rewarding work I have ever done.

Dramatic changes are seen in just a few weeks on Methadone and the majority of our patients achieve full recovery. The stigma of addiction is one of the biggest issues with recovery. Even in the addiction field there is controversy about Methadone treatment. At my Napanee clinic, Lennox and Addington Addiction Services provides a counsellor on site to help patients with recovery, aid with housing, finances, employment, and family issues.

Belleville Addiction Services refuses to acknowledge that Methadone is effective and has never referred a patient for treatment, despite the fact I personally recommend that all of my patients seek counselling for their addictions issues locally. There is a huge body of scientifi c evidence supporting the efficacy of Methadone treatment in opiate addiction. Not everyone needs Methadone, but for those who have tried abstinence and have failed, it is proven to be effective. The web site, "Methadone Saves Lives," provided by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, gives all of the benefits and evidence supporting Methadone treatment.

Treatment is best provided locally, but if Trenton wishes to maintain a "Not in my back yard" mentality, these patients are welcome at First Step for treatment. A bus is already provided through Community Services and could run twice weekly as only six passengers are necessary to justify a run. Contrary to what Dr. Sheena Smith suggests, our clinic is accepting patients and we already provide clinical services for a wide area including Trenton, Bancroft, Picton and Deseronto.

Remember, "those people" are your brothers, sisters, children, parents and many people you would never guess have addiction issues. They deserve your respect and admiration for beating this affliction, not scorn or pity for having the addiction. Please think twice before you judge anyone.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Hadley, Belleville