New Methadone making addicts users take more heroin, says report

A NEW type of medication used to help heroin users kick the habit has actually resulted in addicts taking more heroin because the medication is too weak, according to a new report.

The new form of methadone, which is a substitute for heroin, has also resulted in addicts in treatment taking other drugs as a supplement, creating new addictions, and increasing criminal activity.

The report, published by user group UISCE, questioned 214 people in treatment, about Methadone DTF, which replaced Physeptone in 1998.

Some 88% of those questioned said DTF was not as good as Physeptone. Problems cited included sleeping difficulties, shorter duration, discomfort, and constipation.

More than 70% said DTF did not stave off withdrawals as long as Physeptone, while 64% said it did not provide the same “warmth and glow.”

The report said: “The impact of this has led to drug users relying on other forms of self-medication, i.e. an increase in alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and even heroin usage itself.”

Of those surveyed:

75% increased their use of benzodiazepines - common types of tranquillisers.

49% drank more alcohol.

50% smoked more cannabis.

41% increased their use of heroin.

“If Methadone DTF is not effective enough in dealing with opiate addiction, the resulting process of self-medicating (which is leading to people gaining new addictions to other substances, whilst engaging in criminal behaviour to raise money to feed these addictions) will have a catastrophic effect on drug service users, their families, and the community.”

The questionnaire also found that many increased their use of more than just one drug:

41% said they increased their use of both benzodiazepines, and cannabis.

37% said they took more benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

29% said they increased their use of benzodiazepines, and heroin.

The majority of drug deaths are caused by a combination of these drugs.

The report said treatment consultants were awaiting the results of research into DTF. The report asked for clients to be given a choice of methadone in the meantime.

The report also criticised treatment services for reducing or withdrawing methadone as a means of sanction and controlling the behaviour of clients.

Tommy Larkin of UISCE described this as “inhumane,” and said some staff were abusing the positions.

He said users should be able to appeal decisions without fear of retribution.

Dr Paul Quigley of the Northern Area Health Board said he agreed with Mr Larkin, but added that there were dedicated staff working in the service. He pointed out staff at the Wellmount Clinic in Finglas had continued working after a recent armed robbery.