CANCER LINK TO METHADONE
A study of more than 48,000 men has shown a link between periodontal disease and cancer of the lung, kidney and pancreas.
The study also showed a link between tooth loss and cancers of the lungs.
(Source: oncology.thelancet.com Vol. 9 June 2008)
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia comments-
These new studies are significant to illicit drug use because Methadone maintenance treatments have directly caused deaths in Australia and also are the cause of periodontal disease.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics records 957 Methadone related deaths between 1997 and 2004 with 106 deaths in 2005.
Methadone maintenance drug substitution is used for illicit drug users.
Periodontal damage by Methadone users is shown on the Drug Advisory Council of Australia web site at www.daca.org.au
Methadone causes periodontal disease and periodontal disease causes cancer so how much cancer is attributable to Methadone?
Illicit drug rehabilitation should not be causing additional health problems for addicts like periodontal disease which is now linked to cancer.
Australia NEEDS a comprehensive and effective drug detoxification and rehabilitation system to be set up.
Effective illicit drug rehabilitation must get addict’s drug free.
What works in rehabilitation is to get Australians off illicit drug use NOT to maintain them on maintenance programs causing further health and costs to addicted users.
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
21/2008