THUNDER BAY -- Methadone is an important step for some people recovering from opioid addiction the city's acting drug strategy coordinator says.
The region's supervising coroner said improper methadone use is the most common cause of drug overdose death in the area. Thunder Bay Drug Strategy acting coordinator Anne Ostrom said methadone, which is prescribed by a doctor, is an important part of recovery or at the very least harm reduction.
It also leads to less illegal activity as addicts have access to methadone rather than an illicit opioid on the street.
Many people are able to work and raise families because they are able to take methadone as a prescription rather than at a clinic.
"It means that they can go back to work. It means that they're not restricted to picking up their methadone prescription every day," she said.
With the help of a physician, methadone can be used to strike a balance for people to get a high while battling with withdrawal symptoms from other substances. Some people are able to eventually kick the drug completely.
"It's just a matter of what's right for that individual," she said.
Others may not be using the drug for recovery but at least it's helping with harm reduction, one of the five pillars of the city's drug strategy. It's important to keep in mind that every addict's treatment is different.
"Recovery is a long process if that is one of the goals of the patient," Ostrom said.
