Methadone Clinics - Coming To a Neighborhood Near You

Over the past week, local tempers have flared up over proposed Methadone clinic in Pasadena. The clinic, which was to be located in a small strip mall on Hog Neck Road, has overloaded the in-boxes of local politicians. And from what I've read, the owner of the proposed clinic has even received death threats. All of the backlash has resulted in the owner scrapping his plans (at least for the Pasadena area).

Methadone clinics, no doubt, have a negative stigma attached to them. The clinics are often associated with higher crimes rates in the surrounding community. I have read news articles and "studies" regarding the effects of methadone clinics on the neighborhood. Somewhat surprising, many of these articles report that there is generally no increase in crime after the opening of this type of clinic.* However, when I asked several police officers, they totally disagreed (But what would they know? They only see this stuff everyday....).

People have varying opinions of drug addition. Is it a disease or a personal choice? And how much responsibility lies on the community to help those who are addicted? Whatever the case, I think we can all agree that drug addiction is an ugly thing. It breaks up families, ruins friendships and destroys lives. So what, if anything, can be done to help these misguided souls?

Shortly after taking office, newly elected Anne Arundel County Executive, Steve Schuh, declared a "state of emergency" regarding heroin addiction in our county. While he agrees that treatment options need to be available for the growing number of addicts, Schuh believes that Methadone clinics should be located in industrial areas, away from schools and residents.**

Schuh's outlook seems to be shared by the majority of Pasadena residents. While many people are in favor of helping drug addicts, they don't want to do in their backyard. There is a lack of trust that lies with these addicts. And residents simply don't want them "hanging around" their neighborhood looking for their next fix, whether it be Methadone or anything else.

I often wondered what would possess someone to even try heroin in the first place. The thought of injecting an unfamiliar street drug into my arm is something I personally can't comprehend. We've all heard how addictive heroin is, so why would anyone set themselves up like this? With these questions racing through my mind, I did a little research and, in a nutshell, this is what I found.....

There is a huge problem with prescription drug abuse in this country. Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and similar drugs are often the "gateway" into addiction for even some of the most unlikely people. While these drugs can no longer be obtained via a doctor's prescription or Emergency Room visits, the person will often resort to buying them on the street. And since drug dealers don't usually honor prescription cards, the cost of the pills can be quite expensive. So, as crazy as it might sound, many of these people will turn to heroin simply because it costs less.

And before long, the number of addicts grows and a Methadone clinic prepares to open another set of doors....

And why exactly are these clinics opened in the first place? Sure, I guess you could say that they're in business to help people kick their drug habit. Someone else might argue that substituting one drug for another is like trading a Sam Adams for a Bud Light. But the one thing that can't be ignored is that Methadone clinics can be very profitable. Substance abuse treatment is an eight billion dollar business. And that figure will continue to grow as more and more people become addicted.

And here's something else to chew on....Methadone clinics are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. So, there's a fine line to be walked when dealing with any proposed or existing clinics. In order to be "disabled" under the ADA, a person must be impaired and unable to participate in a "major life activity". While drug abusers are considered impaired under the ADA, there's a gray area about whether or not they can participate in a "major life activity". Yeah, it can get pretty crazy.

In the past, lower income and/or uninsured people would generally go to community Methadone facilities. These clinics were often subsidized in the form of state block grants from the federal government as well as Medicaid. The problem with the community clinics is that there were long lines and they personal care often left a lot to be desired. However, due to recent provisions put in place by the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), many of these folks will now be able to go to the much more efficient private clinics. And these clinics will likely see a sharp increase in business which will ultimately translate into more profits. And if there's money to be made, there will people lining up to capitalize on it. Cha-ching!

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So, for now, it appears that Pasadena has won the initial battle against the proposed clinic in our community. Kudos to the folks who took the time to voice their opinions, sign the petition*** and write letters to your representatives. It looks like your efforts did indeed make a difference......

kw


* http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-04-30/health/bs-hs-methadone-clinic-crime-20120412_1_methadone-clinics-methadone-users-crime-data

** http://www.wbal.com/article/113259/3/schuh-says-more-heroin-treatment-clinics-are-needed-but-not-in-residential-neighborhoods

*** http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/keep-methadone-clinics-mic-out-of-residential-area.html

http://www.nesl.edu/userfiles/file/lawreview/Vol44/1/Voyvodich.pdf