In 2002, there were 126 overdose deaths in the state, 26 percent involving methadone. The state responded by introducing an education program for medical providers, addicted individuals, and the public; gathering data on the problem; enhancing oversight and monitoring of clinics; and creating a network of groups to address the issue.

In addition, the state legislature approved an electronic prescription-monitoring system, and the Portland Department of Health and Human Services created its own education and intervention program to curb overdose deaths.

A report issued by CSAT said that Maine's Office of Substance Abuse "has led a campaign that appears to be a model strategy for responding to a public crisis and mobilizing partners in crafting a plan for response."

The first six months of this year show that there were 46 overdoses, 14 of them linked to methadone. Last year during the same time period, there were 75 overdoses, 28 involving methadone.

But not everyone agrees with the CSAT assessment. Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood said the report ignores the problem of people taking home methadone and giving it to others.

"I don't know what standards the feds have, but they must be low in my opinion to give the state high ratings," said Chitwood. "I think what has happened since all those deaths and all the publicity is the clinics have tightened up their take-home policies, but the problem still exists. It's not being diverted as much as it was, but it still exists."

The report also recommended that Maine increase the availability of methadone treatment to avoid waiting lists at clinics and people having to drive long distances for treatment.

The assessment also recommended additional approaches to treatment beyond opiate-replacement therapy, and the use of performance measures by clinics.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by yo yo on 15 Sep 09 08:42 AM EDT

been on methadone clinic in Maine s have had take ince 2005, feel take home rules are to punitive, also they are rigid, unable to look at individual homes pulled several times for petty reasons, sometimes even ignorant, which has left me angry, and synical, have almost come all the way off, although methadone has saved my life, the people who are incharge are mentally sicker than most addicts I know, I wish doctors could dispense for addicts, even though I could get it for pain, lying about who I am is something I dont choose to live with anymore that is only one freedom I have attained, methadone works, clinics are only tolerated , even by many addicts.I know addiction is at epidemic proportions, and I am grateful for the clinic, just wish staff were monitored even a small portion, of all the energy that goes into monitoring the clients, the dreamer

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