State ‘creating methadone addicts’

THE State’s reliance on methadone to wean users off heroin means many addicts are never given the opportunity to get off drugs completely, a treatment expert at a leading residential clinic has warned.

Gerry Cooney, treatment co-ordinator at the 25-year-old Rutland Centre in Dublin, said the use of methadone may mean there is reduction in harm to society but not to the individual.

“Abstinence is something a lot of people would strive for if they were given the opportunity,” said Mr Cooney, who claimed a lack of energy, financial support and collective will has created a underclass of methadone addicts.

The Rutland Centre, in Dublin’s Knocklyon district, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. More than 5,000 people, with drug, alcohol, food and gambling addictions, have passed through the doors since 1978.

Its programme is based on the 12-step model, with the emphasis on abstinence and personal responsibility. While the number of drug addicts has increased dramatically in recent years, those with alcohol problems still make up the majority of clients, said Mr Cooney.

One of the founders, MEP Mary Banotti, describes her involvement with the centre as the most notable achievement in her life. “It’s made such a difference to so many lives,” she said.

Among former patients who have publicly endorsed the Rutland programme are the singer Mary Coughlan and best selling novelist Marian Keyes.

While Mr Cooney, who has been with the centre for 10 years, believes there is a place for the use of methadone as a short-term fix, he is highly critical that there are only a few places where addicts are given the opportunity to kick drugs altogether.

Often addicts who want to get clean are not being offered the opportunity because of a lack of facilities and support, said Mr Cooney. “I think we can aim a bit higher,” he said, stating it’s more cost effective in the longer term.

He cites the fact that in some parts of the country’s prisons 80% are in on drug-related charges, many of them returning again and again. While some get into a detoxification programme, the use of methadone to manage inmates is widespread.

When the centre was set up in 1978, it was aimed primarily at people with alcohol problems.

Since then, people from a range of different backgrounds have received treatment at the centre, from artists, writers, highly paid professionals and the unemployed.