Methadone clinics popping up in Windsor

by Shaun Garrity

Methadone clinics in the Windsor region are commonly being used by citizens who are struggling with addictions.

Ten years ago Windsor had no programs to help with prescription drugs. Currently there are three methadone clinics in the area that people struggling with addictions can go to. A methadone facility’s main focus is drug replacement, but they also deal with cases of mental health and alcohol abuse.  Most clinics are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doctors treat between 80 and 100 patients in the average day.

“It’s not just in Windsor, it’s everywhere,” said Bryan, a counsellor at Erie – St. Clair Clinic on Lincoln Road, who asked that his last name not be revealed.

Bryan has been an employee at the facility for the last two years. He also said attention has been brought to the clinic because of their success rate. The facility has employed 11- 12 people over the past three years.

Counselors are accessible to patient’s needs or requests. Methadone is drug that weans patients off the highly addictive opiate called oxycontin. One issue is oxycontin can be used as prescription medication. Patients go to the doctor for injuries, and eventually develop a need for the drug. Oxycontin is highly addictive and symptoms of withdrawal include nausea.

The issue at hand now is getting people off the drug. The Government of Canada recently stopped manufacturing oxycontin because of the addictive properties of the drug.

“If I would have known this stuff was that addictive I would have quit on my own. I wouldn’t have been on it for 13 years,” said Michelle Henderson,  formerly addicted to opiates.

Henderson began with a prescription of Percocets.  She built up tolerance for the drug and ended up needing higher dosages.  She craved a larger quantity so she experimented with oxycontin, she said. Prescription medication is not being created by street level dealers, it is manufactured by the government.

Paullete, who did not want her last name printed, is a manager at the Island Palace which is located beside the methadone clinic on University Avenue.

“I believe the government has a lot to do with it,” said Paulette.

She sees a lot of activity from patients traveling in and out. She said on certain days the facility is packed and loud and people attending usually have mental or emotional issues.

“They can’t deal with their problems so they turn to substance,” said Paullete.

Today colleges and universities provide jobs to help the community in the ongoing battle. Schools such as St. Clair College provide courses including drug counselling and chemical dependency.

“Families, morals and integrity is declining in today’s day,” said Paullete.