Better access needed here

Not everyone may see the growing number of area residents turning to methadone to curb their addiction to opioids as “good news,” but its certainly a positive development in the very real need to combat drug abuse locally.
And its equally clear better access is needed.
Critics are quick to point out the treatment program merely substitutes one drug addiction for another, especially given some people need to remain on this “maintenance therapy” for the rest of their lives.
But Jeff Tilbury, with Riverside Community Counselling Services here, makes some compelling arguments in describing how the therapeutic benefits of methadone differ from the addictive nature of opioid abuse. Methadone, he says, doesnt create the euphoria or high other drugs do and its also a long-lasting drug in the body, meaning people only need a dose once a day instead of perhaps several “hits.”
Equally important, though, is how methadone curtails the high-risk and dangerous behaviours typically associated with a full-blown drug addiction, which include stealing in order to pay for their habit and sharing needles with others.
Methadone treatment is not without its problems. Although Mr. Tilbury contends “coming off” methadone is not nearly as hard as it is with other drugs like oxycontin and morphine, those possible withdrawal symptoms are enough to deter some addicts from trying the program.
Another big obstacle, at least here in Rainy River District, is the fact no local doctors are able to prescribe methadone. That means trips to Kenora or Dryden at least once a month (and as many as four times a month when treatment first starts), which can be a real cost burden not to mention a hurdle for those who dont have access to regular transportation there and back.
In the end, however, the dramatic rise in local residents now taking methadone (50-60 this year compared to just six a year ago) shows people are trying to turn their lives around by seeking this option which, despite its drawbacks, surely is far better than their other addiction.
In turn, that hopefully will make our community a safer place to live.
Those who choose methadone should be applauded for their courage, with the next step being to ensure even more people have access to this valuable treatment.
“Care close to home” applies to drug addiction, too.