According to state and federal officials, the increase is a result of methadone being misused by recreational drug users.

In Florida, methadone-related deaths rose from 209 in 2000 to 357 in 2001 to 254 in the first six months of 2002, the most recent period for which data is available. In North Carolina, methadone deaths increased eightfold, from 7 in 1997 to 58 in 2001.

"Out of no place came methadone," said James McDonough, director of the Florida Office of Drug Control. "It now is the fastest-rising killer drug."

Drug experts are stunned over the increase in methadone overdoses and deaths because the drug, which does not provide a quick or potent high, lacks the qualities typical of a substance that would be abused.

"We've got years of experience with methadone and suddenly we've got this problem," said Dr. H. Westley Clark, director of the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. "We realize that lives are being lost and we're trying to stop that. But we're trying not to do quick fixes that will cause us more problems."

According to health and law-enforcement officials, individuals addicted to the painkiller OxyContin have turned to methadone when they couldn't get the prescription drug. Furthermore, methadone has become more readily available as more physicians prescribe it for pain relief.

"The availability of methadone for treatment and pain has put people who would not normally be in a position to divert drugs in that position," said Sgt. Scott J. Pelletier, who works for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

To address the problem, Dr. Andrea G. Barthwell, the White House drug czar's deputy director for demand reduction, said efforts are underway to educate physicians about methadone and identify doctors who help patients abuse or sell the drug.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Vivianne on 14 Oct 08 12:29 PM EDT

Methadone destroys lives! BELIEVE ME! I am a recovering addict and almost lost everything because of this evil drug. Let me tell you , what it did to me: Loss of energy Loss of confidence Weight gain ( staying up all night while watching TV and eating sugery food) Loss of sex drive Depression Paranoia Fear of live Brain damage (loss of memory and coordination) Moodiness Wanting to be alone Fear of getting close to somebody Neglecting yourself Not being able to perform daily activities Thank you, God, my family and doctors. How did I do it? By flushing it down the toilette and being at home for two weeks and praying, talking to family and doctors, eating very healthy and making myself work out. My suggestion is: If patients have to take it for heroin withdrawel, only continue treatment for a week, and if it is prescribed for pain management, there are other meds. I FEEL "NORMAL" AGAIN. That's how I know that it is possible to get off the drug, before it is too late. If I can help safe a life, I did my job wright. I really hope that the DEA will have stricter regulations in order to distribute this drug! Thank you, God! Vivianne

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.