Methadone Violence
Doctors involved in the drug maintenance Methadone program in Victoria have told harrowing stories of violence against them from illicit drug users.
A Frankston doctor shot by a drug addicted patient 13 years ago has admitted that Methadone patients confront him with physical violence every day.
A local clinic paid $23000 for a heavy duty security door and television camera to deal with the violent drug users.
Violence is the main reason why medical practitioners refuse to be part of the drug maintenance Methadone program.
(Source: The Melbourne Age newspaper, 27 December 2010)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This admission supports the violence surrounding drug maintenance programs and the need for a rehabilitation approach.
As well the Australian Bureau of Statistics constantly records deaths from prescribed Methadone use in its death statistics.
Drug users need help to get them free of the violence, psychosis, aggression, anxiety and depression as these cause major costs to the Australian public health system.
Its time for governments to try a new approach to illicit drug use to help addicts to kick the habit.
Diversion into effective court supervised early intervention drug rehabilitation that leads to a drug free life for those detected using illicit drugs is that new approach.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
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.
3/2011
