Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's good to see that occasionally things turn out as they should. I just hope it's not turned around in the court system.

Posted by jdavis22 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go all those who opposed this. These "treatment centers" are nothing more than a legalized drug dealer. I have spoken with several addicts that have been "treated" at these centers and they are being misled as to their treatment. These people are not being tapered off of drugs and most are saying that they are recieving a higher dose than when they started. These addicts are also made to feel that if they do not get to the "clinic" each and every day they will die. There are other medical alternatives to help with addiction if and only if the addict really wants to stop. I'm glad that the people of Clanton and Chilton County stood up against this!

Posted by MAMAorg (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The pro supporters of methadone for clinical use are very upset over this ruling. It is about time a community stood up to these clinics and stop them from opening in every town all across America. These facilities DO NOT detox patrons from drugs but supply a replacement drug that is highly addictive and harder to detox from then heroin. For the owners, they are a gold mine by providing a drug that the addicts crave. Watch a methadone user do without their daily dose for a day or so and see how they behave. How has this form of so called "treament" become socially acceptable in this country? These clinics are only enabling the addict and often paint a rosey picture that in reailty does not exist. The pro people have a long list of excuses as to why they have to stay on this addictive drug for years, many for a lifetime. They offer a sales pitch that can sound good but please do not be misled by their rhetoric. They have a personal agenda, to keep feeding their addiction without having to ever be drug free, legally. Or, the owners/operators want to continue to line their pockets. Sadly, most communities are threatened with law suits for discrimination as the pro-methadoner's hide behind the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and legally it works. I commend this area and the people for standing up and saying NO. As long as this is still America you have a voice that needs to be heard and no one should force their way into an area because they have found a legal loophole to distribute drugs, but this is happening everywhere. Methadone is the #1 killer of a single prescription narcotic in this country. These deaths come from clinics, pain management and the diversion from both sources. Clinical take homes have been linked to patrons trading, selling and even deaths. This practice must stop and those must be held accountable for the epidemic they are creating. Methadone has now flooded our streets and thousands are dying yearly. We must not allow this to continue, speak out and save your town from such a facility.
Crime has increased as well as the death toll in realtionship to this drug so do not believe what they may say. There are dedicated methadone user's that most likely will post on this article with their lies, please just beware and remember they will say or do what ever it takes to save this drug.

Mothers Against Medical Abuse. Org

Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think you'll find too many "dedicated methadone user's" posting here.

Posted by MAMAorg (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdavis22 - You are exactly right in your description of what really goes on. I have personally been researching and investigating these clinics for almost three years. I have even spent time with current and former user's and these facilities have brain washed these addicts. They are only creating more of a problem then helping and their sales pitches have truthfully become a recorded speech. The reserach and documents they refer people to are out dated and were biased as most often it was the drug company who funded the studies. I have to say this is most likely the biggest medical marketing scam to ever it this nation, even our own government funds these practices. SAMHSA/CSAT and the FDA are fully aware of the deaths yet turn a blind eye. Many have their hand in the cookie jar and now we have another deadly drug on our streets. I will say you do not have to abuse this drug as many were under a doctors care and monitoring when they lost their life. It is impossible to predetermine who will live and who will die from the consumption of this poison, it is like playing russian roulette. You can die from a single small dose and nothing else in our system. This is NOT something you want in your community. The drug dealer has changed his clothes, he now wears a suit or white coat.

Mothers Against Medical Abuse. Org

Posted by MAMAorg (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Katherine, they follow the news articles like I do and have already been discussing this event on their forums. They are encouraging their followers to contact local authorities in response. There are actually organizations that have chapters in almost all 50 states who assist the owners to legally get these clinics opened. I will be shocked if one or more of them do not post on here by tomorrow...that is what they do. Search Methadone support groups or Methadone forums and you will see what I am talking about. It is a movement that has been around for sometime it is only recently that the general public is becoming aware of these issues. Good luck and best wishes.

Mothers Against Medical Abuse. Org

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Katherine. Just like last week a young lady was boasting of having guns in her workplace. Not too many beer joint robbers surfing the net for vulnerable stores in Clanton to rob. As goes with drug users trying to appeal a legal ruling by posting opinions on this site. I personally don't mind them having methadone if it kills that many drug users. I lost a close relative to prescription drug abuse. And I have seen/investigated several dead bodies as a result of their drug abuse. I have no sympathy for their plight. I have another close relative that gets the same drugs that "clinics" give. He gets them from the Chilton-Shelby Mental Health center. The methadone clinic may be history. But the legal prescription drug dealing is alive and well in Clanton. As for anyone abusing prescription drugs from xanex, lortab, oxycotin, welbutrin, klonopin, vicodin, valium, lithium, etc...well, if you are abusing them, take them ALL at once and stop the pain, anguish, and suffering you put family members through. MAMAorg is right, they will lie, cheat, steal, and connive their way to gain their altered state of mind. Well, I say if you can't get your drug of choice, use a 240 grain pill that travels about 900 feet per second. Inject it directly into your skull.

Now that is my usual velvet coated brick. If you think I sound angry, you're wrong. I am not angry, just dead serious. If those words offend you, so be it. I don't care if it's my own son, daughter, mother, brother, etc...I have told them and will tell others the same thing. And that's not stirring the pot. That EXACTLY how I view this issue. I'll even throw in a 20 dollar bill for you to buy a box of 240 grain pills. But, you'll only need one.

Posted by carol (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kw, I too am dead serious when it comes to drug (and alcohol.......that's a drug too, although legal) abuse. I also get angry even though that doesn't do anything but raise my BP. I've dealt with drug/alcohol abuse personally, myself and immediate members of my family......I know as well as you what it does to a person and their friends and family. I'm not however as hard as you are and don't have the audacity to want all addicts to end it all with a 240 grain pill. I believe as long as there is breath in a body there is hope for them. My son lied, cheated, stole and did whatever he could for years to try and get the feeling of his first high again. I called the law when he took my car and he spent two of his last teenage years in Draper Prison.......something nobody should have to go through, especially an eighteen yr old. Whenever he complained, cried or tried to blame me for his being there I told him something I'm sure you've heard........."you do the crime, you do the time." That time in prison didn't cure his addiction, he only learned new ways to get high and more ways to get the fix he needed.

He is now off drugs and alcohol and trying to rebuild his life. I never once stopped loving him. I only have God to thank for this, none of the 8+ treatment facilities cured him. In my opinion he is never "cured", he only has a daily reprieve.

All this being said, I guess the difference between us is your heart is harder than mine. I could not say the things you said and feel good about myself. I have walked in the shoes and know the pain but it's not for me to take it away or you either.
Later.............

Posted by nifty (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NIMBY AT ITS MOST VICIOUS: your March 30 article on the rejection of a proposed methadone clinic in Clanton and subsequent posted comments represent the height of mean-spirited, misinformed, non-christian vitriol aimed at individuals who are seeking nothing more than a chance to live free of the horrors associated with dependence on illicit drugs. Among the venom that appears in the comments applauding rejection of a methadone treatment facility is this gem: " I personally don't mind them having methadone if it kills that many drug users." In light of remarks such as this it would seem pointless to appeal to humanitarianism, but one might think some citizens would be moved purely by the general community's self-interest to ensure treatment availability for those who want and need it.

Posted by labrat (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can only hope that the owner of the proposed clinic goes on to appeal this decision in court. Any lawyer worth a grain of salt will tell her this type of "zoning" is highly illegal. It's like a town saying "we don't want any mentally handicap homes here" or "we don't want to treat cancer here". Addicts are protected by the ADA specifically because of this NIMBY crap.

First let me say, there are MANY highly intelligent active people on methadone who read these articles. Most have them (like myself) have read articles like this so many times that they don't even bother to write in the comments. Mostly, because we have busy lives, and this type of prejudice can't be fought over the internet by debating with a group of nameless, faceless people who have absolutely no concept of methadone treatment....and have a ignorant prejudice against all addicts that has nothing to do with real facts or true life.

In my town the city council tried to refuse a methadone clinic. The battle went on for two years. In the end we have a clinic and the town paid not ONLY for their lawyer expenses, but the majority of the expenses for the clinic as well. In the end even the cities insurance company told them to back off the fight, or they wouldn't cover the costs because it was IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO WIN IN COURT.

So revel in this small victory, because if this owner has the backbone to continue this fight (as she should) she will win in the end. If she decides not to fight, she will still win because she'll build it in the next town over, just a few miles out of this town....

The person writing this article didn't do their homework and neither did the city council. Methadone TREATMENT saves lives and has very little to do with recent cases of overdose involving methadone for pain.

Like all drugs methadone can be lethal when used incorrectly...but when it is used the "right" way, it can be the difference between a horribly long pain filled life and an active vital life for pain patients and addicts.

If nothing else think of this----even if the clinic never comes to town the reason one is needed is still there....active addiction. So NO ONE WINS if this clinic doesn't come. Do you seriously think that your safer with addicts living next door who are living fix to fix, rather than in treatment with counselors, nurses and doctors?

The sad reality is that this town thinks they won, and all they have done is shoot themselves in the foot.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you kw. I'm glad that the clinic isn't coming to town, at least for now. I have absolutely NO sympathy for drug abuse, legal or otherwise, and I don't believe in treating the addicts with kid gloves. I also DO NOT CARE if they or their sypathizers/enablers get offended. In fact, I hope they are. And I also agree with you that before they put their families through an on-going living hell and ruining them financially, they should go ahead and begin their eternal dirt nap. Thank you to all that helped to defeat this "clinic". I just hope it sticks.

Posted by labrat (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MAMA....

Methadone treatment has been used safely and effectively for over forty years now.

Your three years of "media" research and rumor proliferating can't even compare to the research done by scientists and experts in addiction for FORTY YEARS. Methadone is the most studied medication and treatment in medicine.

As for this treatment being a scam....I guess you should probably tell this to the World Health Organization (which labeled methadone for addiction treatment as one of the MOST ESSENTIAL medication in the world), the United Nations (who have been working diligently for years to bring this treatment to impoverished nations with heroin problems), to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (which considers methadone the most effective treatment for opiate addiction) and the American Medical Association and the Journal of American Medicine (who have researched methadone treatment for years and consider opiate addiction a chronic life altering chemical imbalance of the brain chemistry which in most cases requires medication to restore quality of life).

Please tell us who your sources are? Where is your information coming from?

While your at it, show us the proof that methadone is the number one prescription killer in the nation for 2008?

Posted by sweetdixie (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THANK YOU, RANDALL HOUSTON!!!!!
Doesn't Chilton County have enough drug users and alcoholics, who needs a legal place for them to go and get methadone. Instead of having a methadone clinic giving out pills, why not put a treatment center in to get the drug addicts off the drugs and clean up our community. We all would fill safer at night with less drugs on the street, NOT MORE!!
Thank You Kevin Davis for all you do in getting rid of the drugs. Keep up the great work!!

Posted by steve42 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, let's try an experiment!

All of the regulars could pull out of this topic and watch the pro- and con- One Trick Ponies whose Google Alerts (try http://news.google.com/news?pz=1&ned...) clued them in on this story tear one another limb from limb!

Posted by labrat (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JV DAVIS SAID
"These addicts are also made to feel that if they do not get to the "clinic" each and every day they will die."

Ok so show me proof that this isn't true most of the time. Say your an epileptic and your doctor tells you that you could die or have irreversible brain damage if you do not take your medication each and every day. Is the doctor just trying to SCAM the epileptic?

If a person goes to the doctor because they are suicidal and they are put on antidepressants and they start to do well....is the doctor NEGLIGENT if they suggest the person should continue to take this medication as long as it surpresses the urge to kill themselves>? Is the doctor just trying to keep the patient dependent on medication or are they doing their job by trying to keep the patient ALIVE and DOING WELL?

The facts are THESE:

Opiate addicts have a mortality rate that is 8times higher than that of a non-addict. An opiate addicts chances of detoxing off opioids and/or methadone and NOT going back to active addiction are 10%.
The majority of patients who detox will be using again within ONE MONTH.

For a clinic to tell a patient they might die without medication isn't a lie, it's the reality of this illness we call addiction.

An addicts brain has been re-wired to believe that drugs are as important to their survival as water, food and sleep. HOW LONG WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO RESIST THE URGE TO EAT OR SLEEP? A day or two? What if they gave you a shake once a day that gave you all the calories and vitamins you needed--so it wasn't essential for you to eat.....how long could you go? BETTER YET, HOW MISERABLE WOULD YOU BE FIGHTING THAT URGE EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE?

You have absolutely no idea what your talking about, and your comments prove it.

Go ahead tell these addicts that you talked to (ALL SEVEN OF THEM!) that they are better off without methadone.....see how long they last out in the world! Your the real monger, not the clinics trying to save their lives!

Posted by labrat (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweet Dixie...your a genious!

Why didn't we just think of that years ago! We'll just detox addicts and tell them to "just say no"....that will work! God, we are so stupid to have never thought of that!

Give me a friggin break!

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's a pretty good idea, Steve, but it sure is fun to slap them around a little while they're here. It's like the fair coming to town, they slip in during the dark of the night, then after littering the place up they slither back out of town the same way.

Posted by clanton_native (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Methadone clinics are bad... period. I agree with KW. I share no sympathy. You start doing drugs, then your an idiot plain a simple. if you drink every now and then, fine. If you smoke, its your choice... but there is not excuse for the other and I personally don't feel comfortable with the idea of a metahdone clinic placed here in Clanton. To be honest, I don't like a lot of this new stuff that we are building right now, but definitely not a metahdone clinic. The whole idea of a methadone clinic is moronic. if you are serious about getting off of drugs, then go to inpatient rehab not to some stupid office where you can just go get a prescription when you need a fix.

Posted by nifty (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

brief comment re "have to take medicine but heroin addicts don't" - bear in mind that the great majority of "insulin-dependent" adult- onset diabetics COULD live very healthy lives with no insulin IF they adhered rigidly to prescribed regimen of diet, no-smoking and no-drinking, exercise, etc etc. Check it out with your favorite doc.

The majority of chronic illnesses are directly related to behavior - be it smoking or drinking or over-eating etc. The key is not to condemn people who have a problem, or to engage in wishful thinking about the power of "just say no", but to provide treatment that very literally can make the difference between life and death. Unless, of course, one believes as one comment-writer that it's groovy to have "those people" die.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Groovy!

Posted by njones (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

let's throw personal responsibility out the window, yet again.......
labrat: who held the gun to your head and FORCED you to do drugs and to keep doing them?
Yep, Let the taxpayers pay for everyone's problems (Nancy Pelosi - where are you?).
Oh boo- hoo!
Give me a = break..
Let's add to the list of takers:
welfare mommies (who forced you to sleep with a creep)
drug addicts ( who forced you to take the first drug)
willfully unemployed ( No, NOT the ones who have been down-sized - just those who never tried to work in the first place)
let's see how long the list can get with those who TAKE from us everyday..
Glad I work 40 hours a weeks to pay for these programs.

Posted by clanton_native (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here Here...

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

njones: I like your thinking!

Posted by jchan (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

some of you would be shocked at who all took methadone. some are successful business owners and some are the people sitting beside you in church.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Groovy and shagadelic! Once they're dead and gone, everyon's suffering, they caused by irresponsible behavior, is over. I've been very close to this issue all of my life. I have never taken on drug use or abuse. I enjoy a cold beverage now and then. But it's not a craving or life or death. I have NEVER met a FULLY cured or rehabbed junkie. I've take/seen them go to jail/prison, and reha-ha-ha-bilitation. I've seen them "get religion". I've heard the same tired stories of how they found God and found their calling. Then, I've heard the SAME ones say, "GUILTY YOUR HONOR", AGAIN! Death has seemed to be the only peace they, and everyone around them, got. Now, I don't revel in that comment. However, it seems to be the only truth with so called "addictions". I have worked with people on methodone. They could not tie their own shoes without you telling them to. They were always stealing from employers, and they were always trying to sell something, pills, tools, etc... You might not like what I have said here, but you dang sure know where I stand on this issue. Good riddance to the clinic idea.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

labrat, you sound like a junky looking for an excuse, ive lived with chronic and severe back pain for more than 20yrs. and have very seldom took any narcotics. it may be that in the coming years i may have to, but by gods amazing grace i have made it for over 20yrs. without the narcotics. and when i did take them in the beginning they still didnt stop the pain, i dont want to condemn people who are addicted to pain meds for different reasons, but i do think doctors are a lot to blame for most of the addictions that people have become bondage to. i dont have the answers to these problems but i do know that drugs are not the answer because not only do they fall into the hands of those who cant control their addictions they fall into the hands of young people who's lives are destroyed and to often lost because of the drugs. and long term use of most any medication carries with it serious further health risk. its one thing for an older person to be addicted to pain meds trying to deal with pain that has stemmed from a long life of hard work and mishaps but its sad to see a young person become addicted to these narcotics and never have the chance to live a life where they can experience the good times and the sad times in life because they are constantly high on drugs that paralyze their emotions. after all its a sober life of dealing with the fortunes and misfortunes alike,(life lessons) that leads us to better wisdom and of more value to our heirs. i have always from a child loved to converse with old folks because i love to hear their stories about life and the way it was "as they say", in those days, and sadly all our childrens future life lessons are going to be about how some of us stayed so stoned off drugs we have no life lessons to give that's of any real value to the future of the coming gererations. I may have all you "labrats" figured wrong and i hope i do, and i know some people are probably justified in their need for different medications even narcotics, but a lot of these problems could be treated in a different mannor with far less horrible results in the end. after all show me one person that lives with chronic pain that is taking pain meds that has become pain free, and ill show you one that asprin or tylenol would have served the same purpose for those with far less aches and pains.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

oh yea, "labrat" the power of prayer has been proved to be effective and safe for over 2,000 yrs.
you should try it some times, its free and when used exactly as prescribed it has no ill effects on the body or the mind. and can be the one life lesson that you can pass on to your "heirs" that has any real value here and here after.

Posted by kmc (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i have heard many times about the drug problem in chilton county, and it should be addressed. on the other side of the coin , who would want a bunch of junkies roaming the streets in your community?

Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Prescription drug abusers make it very difficult for people who need pain medication to receive it. I have five sources of chronic pain and I'm allowed one lortab a day.

I suppose MAMAorg was right ... we have been flooded here by posters I've never seen before.

Posted by clanton_native (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jchan... it doesn't matter who takes the stuff. succesful doctors, lawyers whatever... doesn't change anything.

Posted by njones (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

let us all remember one very important "right" everyone on this Earth has:

The
RIGHT" to reproduce...thus adding to the mix - drug addicted newborns - requiring special hospital needs, educational needs, social services needs, and the sympathy of those who realize it's not the child's fault - it was the FAULT of the adults. So the drug user/abuser will cost society for at least another generation.
KW: you're hands-down accurate on what you're posting.
Labrat: get your head out of the clouds - or wherever it might be - and face reality (yes, without a crutch of drugs) - everyday life can and does, at times, stink...get over it, deal with it and stop running to the nearest medicine cabinet for a cure..start looking for your inner self and test yourself to see what you can accomplish ON YOUR OWN instead of feeling society needs to pay for every and all cures.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Debby, you are getting defensive over something that does not affect your community in GA. If you are taking klonopin in the prescribed manner, so be it. No one was picking on you. But that's about to change. If you notice, we have adressed drug ABUSERS! I, personally, don't understand anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. I lived with a person that would cry, lay in bed all day, and complain of the catch all diagnosis of fibromyalga. It was all crap to get thousands of pain pills, and anti-depressants. A 650ml bottle of liquid hydrocodone. It was all crap. That person finally committed suicide. The strange part is, the same small pharmacy in Clanton gave that person all those drugs at one time. A clinic would have been just one more place to go scam for drugs. I see this problem every day. I know an elderly lady now who gets 180 lortab 10s every month from one doctor. She sells them for $3.00 each. She gets 90 more from a second doctor. She sells those also. All filled by the same pharmacy, paid for by medicare. Which means those of us who live NORMAL lives pay for them. I come home some days tired, back hurting, hands bleeding, and feet hurting. I hug my wife, take a shower, play with the dogs, and deal with it. It's called normal living. If you are feeling depressed come over and ride this John Deere tractor for 6-8 hours and bushog some of this brush. You'll forget about depression. On second thought, that's not a good idea. You'll probably want muscle relaxers or pain pills afterwards.

Posted by steve42 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, I've got another idea. Let's go to the psychiatrist and get dignosed as s_x addicts and see if we can get a legalized brothel someplace in the county. That will help prevent us from having to get our fix on the streets.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Debbyrose: I don't think any of us are saying that we have never screwed up. In fact, I'm sure we're not. I have screwed up plenty, but I never made the CHOICE to use illicit drugs, legal ones or otherwise. Somehow we have gotten to point where people make a CHOICE to try drugs, then all of a sudden they allow themselves to be enslaved by them and we are expected to feel sorry for them because they now have a "disease". CRAP! They made the CHOICE to take the drugs, they can make the CHOICE to stop. If they don't or won't, then I have ABSOLUTELY NO sympathy for them. Putting up a "clinic" to replace their illegal addiction with a legal one changes NOTHING. They made the poor choice to start taking drugs, they need to make the smart choice to stop. If it kills them in the process, well, addiction cured. That'll leave just that much more air for the rest of us to breathe.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Steve, I don't know if would've told that, buddy.

Posted by njones (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 1:19 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

steve42: I think lots of people are probably self-medicating for that disorder! :P

Posted by clanton_native (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Debby Rose, you don't made a good argument against me... If you drink, fine... alcohol is not illegal and if someone chooses to drink responsibly, then by all means go for it. I won't lie, I tend to keep a six pack in my refrigerator that may stay in there for weeks until i decide to consume any of it, but I don't drink and drive. Smoking cigarettes are not illegal if you are of age. Using illegal substances however are just that...illegal. And I don't like the idea of there being a clinic in this town where there will be people constantly going to get methadone pills because they screwed up and are addicted to a bunch of junk. Like i stated earlier, if you want to get away from your addiction, then do it the real way and check yourself into a inpatient drug rehab where they aren't still feeding you crap.

Posted by clanton_native (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

excuse my spelling... i am in a hurry.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Debby, all the regulars here know my past. I never turned to drugs, legal or illegal to lessen any pain or feelings. I sat down and prayed that God would direct my life and handle my ordeal. He did. But try as I might, I still struggle in my daily living. JUST LIKE EVERY PERSON ON EARTH. And when I walked away from my former career, I thought I was through with drug abusers, death, and the carnage that people's vices create. I was wrong. Drug abuse is everywhere. Not just confined to one community, or one class of people. About 9 months ago I walked out to take the trash to the dumpster where I am staying. A crowd was standing near the dumpster. I walked toward it with my trash bag. As I got close one older lady was crying. Before anyone could say anything I saw her husband, who was taking methadone to get off lortabs. His head was gone and a shotgun was lying beside him. I had not one ounce of sympathy. That was his choice. He put me in a situation that I thought I would not have to be in again. Suicide has NEVER garnered sympathy from me. I have witnessed it many times. And several were from drug vices. Hard hearted? For those issues, YES. And for the living drug abusers, well, I can't be any less sympathetic. I've had tools, money, and other property stolen by drug abusers. I even had my diabetes pills stolen from my lunch box. So, NO, I DON'T give a rat's butt if a drug user dies.

Posted by livinginthorsby (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As someone who has had to deal first hand with a husband (now ex-husband) that was an addict, I am RELIEVED the clinic is not allowed to open in Clanton. My ex was a loser that gave up the right to his children so he could continue to abuse drugs. Now he's in jail :) where all addicts belong.

Also, a note of warning, I sent my son to a local pharmacy to pick up a prescription. Of course, my son didn't check inside the bag to make sure the pharmacist gave him the correct medication. Thank God I realized that the pharmacist gave us the wrong prescription before taking the medication - guess what it was - 120 10 mg pills of METHADONE! Needless to say, the pharmacist picked them up at my house that night!!

Posted by jdavis22 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Labrat, how can you have the audacity to relate drug abuse to eating and drinking to survive? Have you absolutely lost your mind? Drug addicts make a conscious decision to abuse drugs and can make the same decision to stop. There are other medical alternatives to methadone clinics. But the first and most important decision that has to be made is the addict has got to want to get clean. I know of a person that lives here in Clanton that was going to the methadone clinic in Alabaster everyday and with the help of a Doctor he is now drug free and has been for over four years now. He doesn't have to go to the hailed methadone clinic. He has told me that he has had to make an effort to stay away from the other addicts in the area to stay clean and has had to distance himself from his own son to stay clean, but he has done it! Another thing, comparing methadone with seizure medication is also rediculous. Addiction is a choice that becomes a medical condition. An epileptic did not make a choice to become an epileptic. People who need medication for a true medical condition should have access to medications for the condition. But trading one addiction for another addiction is not medically sound and is STUPID!!!!! Anyone who wants to be clean can be clean. I have witnessed it firsthand!

Posted by nannyof4 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So everyone of you are so high and mighty that instead of giving a guy another chance you would rather they die so you could have their air. If that is the case lets close up all the beer stores, (alcoholics) and lets not sell anymore more cigarettes (nasty habit), because surely we don't want to help an addict. Except as kwsrgraves so eloquently points lets just let them all die.

I am so glad that as a Christian I think that everyone deserves a second chance. I am a recovering alcoholic, sober 20 years, former smoker 19 years. And yes I take pain pills everyday, but by Gods grace I am not an addict. But I could be, and I am so glad that none of you will ever be called on to help me. Otherwise I would be left to die by the wayside. Good people, I think not.
God Bless you all

Posted by jkhicks (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From reading the comments following the article it is obvious that none of you know what you are talking about. Before any of you criticize methadone as a treatment for heroin addiction or criticize methadone clinics I suggest you education yourself about the drug. The primary use of methadone is for control of chronic pain. Methadone is a long-lasting mu-receptor agonist very similar to other opioids such as morphine. Due to its long-lasting effects it is a great choice for controlling pain in cancer victims.

Heroin is also in the class of opioid drugs and is considered to have relatively short duration of action. Heroin is an illegal, extremely addictive drug and can result in changes to the homeostasis of the body, in other words a person who uses heroin can become physiologically dependent on the drug. The treatment of heroin addiction is challenging and the dependence on the drug and the wanting/craving of the drug can last for months or years. Treating heroin addiction is not as simple as placing someone in a facility for a month and then releasing them back into society. With this particular drug along other opioids and benzodiazepines such as valium the process of defeating addiction is a very long. This is where methadone comes into the picture. Since methadone has pharmacological actions at the same receptors as heroin it actually blocks the effects of heroin. So if someone is taking methadone they no longer want or desire heroin since methadone will block most of the effects of heroin. Think about that for a minute. Methadone takes away the drug seeking effects of heroin. In other words heroin addicts that start taking methadone no longer have the desire to commit self destructive acts in order to get the heroin……no longer purchase heroin, no longer steal or commit other crimes to obtain the money to purchase heroin. By treating heroin addicts at a methadone clinic you provide a treatment that can at the very least decrease the amount of crimes the addicts are committing to obtain the drug, and hopefully over a long period of time gradually decrease the dose of methadone resulting in the person becoming heroin and methadone free. The treatment is not perfect, but anyone who makes a poor choice in life and becomes addicted to a drug deserves the right to correct their mistake and become drug free.

Posted by jkhicks (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MAMAorg, you are a complete idiot. I went to the web sit and basically it is in support of taking methadone off the market. Why don’t you go to a local hospice and talk to a cancer patient and explain to the patient why he/she has to die in pain because you do not think they should be taking methadone. Methadone does have complicated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics which makes the drug harder to use in naïve patients, however if used correctly in both people with chronic pain such as cancer victims or with heroin addicts it can be a successful drug. I agree people do die from methadone use, about 4,000 to 6,000 total in the entire United States a year (about 40-60 people a year in the entire state of Alabama), but most deaths are due to either a physician not knowing how to correctly prescribe the drug or a person on the street taking the drug for the first time. However, most deaths are not due to people talking methadone at methadone clinics. Furthermore, a person being treated at a methadone clinic almost always has to take the medication in front of the person dispending it, thus they are not taking the medication out of the clinic and selling it on the street. That is why it is important to have a clinic close by since patients have to go to the clinic almost every day. MAMAorg if you want to fight methadone deaths then go after physicians that do not understand the pharmacokinetic and pharmcodynamic profile of the drug or people who divert the drug to the street. Go after patients who do not take the medication correctly and believe more is better. However, if you attack people for using the drug in valid way, or attack the drug itself, then you make it appear you have no idea what you are taking about.

For the people on here that do not agree with having a methadone clinic in the area most of you are hypocrites. You guys will post comments quoting bible verses, talk about living a better life and pretending to be good Christians. Then you will turn around and say people who are seeking treatment for drug addictions are worthless and should kill themselves for being addicts. If you are truly a Christian you would want someone to seek help for their problems and support them through the process of becoming free of heroin and drugs, even if does include methadone treatment. I always thought forgiveness was part of being a Christian.

Posted by jkhicks (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And, no, I do not work for a methadone clinic. I am not a drug addict. I am an educated person with two doctoral degrees working in the area of cancer pharmacology. That is why I so passionate when people ridicule others for taking pain medications, whether it be for pain or some other type of treatment such as heroin addiction. Many of my patients die painfully and I try to make sure they are as comfortable as they can be during there last few days on earth. Some of you should really think about what you say before you post here. You never know if the person getting methadone from the pharmacy is some type of drug addict or suffering from a horrible painful disease.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never said I was a thumper. And I stand by what I wrote. You can molly-coddle all you want to, and you can be the appologist-in-chief for all the junkies in this area all you want but the fact remains; junkies made the CHOICE to start taking drugs. We didn't make that choice for them. If they want to clean up and become a worthwhile citizen, then I'm all for them, but we don't owe them a dadgum thing. We don't owe them sympathy, nor support, nor government supplied (ie. taxpayer supplied) treatment. And, we as a community don't owe them the convienience of their very own local clinic where they can trade one addiction for another. They got themselves in their predicament by themselves, and they can get themselves out of it. Or not. I don't care if you think I'm an idiot, an uneducated fool, or just inhumane. I will absolutely admit to being a person who believes in PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you, jk ... it's time the tongue-wagger's were put in their place, and yes, there are a few so-called "Christian's" on this thread that really need to reconsider their position as a "Christian".

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle: Perhaps you would like the methodone clinic be built by your house?

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the facility was coming to Clanton, it wouldn't be by my house, so that point is moot, and really doesn't have anything to do with it.

Posted by George (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have great concern for parents who have lost a loved one to the scourge of the disease of addiction despite of all of the warnings from their parents and others. George

METHADONE STIGMA

I would like to say I was surprised by the way some well meaning people have such STIGMA against medically assisted treatment for opiate addiction. But I am not. As an advocate I have come to know the bias against methadone clinics all too well. There is a URL below to see how it started.

Perhaps you might consider the fact that there are AA and NA meetings in or near your community. Just like methadone clinics, they have people who go to work, raise families, and some using newcomers or returnees are welcomed at their locations.

Methadone clinics get the public outcry. The others are acceptable near places where there are schools and downtown businesses. Maybe you have some halfway houses in your town. How about 12 step groups who rent spaces in church basements? No problem with them. No problem with the authorized Buprenorphine MD’s as well.
Really, what is the difference? Why not treat them the same way as you would treat a methadone clinic? Why are they acceptable when or where a Methadone Clinic is not? What makes a medically proven medication wrong?

The STIGMA article below mentions the problems that the pioneers of methadone maintenance faced right from the beginning. Not much has changed.

http://www.methadonetoday.org/dole_nys.h...

In my Connecticut area there are two clinics within about 8 miles. Same ownership. No problems. They are not news. One is on a local main road (US Route 1) with a large chain of Movie rentals, a Chinese restaurant, a Pizza place, and single and multifamily homes nearby. The other is in an area surrounded by automobile dealerships. No problems that I know of at either of these locations.

I wonder, if people started to think that they are STIGMA-tizing methadone maintenance treatment but not the others... Would this cause them to take a closer look at themselves? Yes, I have found this true. Some do change their minds. I have seen it happen.

Yes, it is possible to welcome a clinic because of the work it does in the community to reduce HIV, HEP-C, and help others to be good citizens with jobs, kids, and a future.

Clinics and Buprenorphine MD’s may be the best way to reduce the importation of opiates over the Mexican – US border.

Welcome a Methadone Clinic. It saves lives. It helps families. They are a good neighbor just like the 12 step groups who also add to the health and well being of many addicted people. They reach out and help opiate addicts become recovering addicts and good members of society. And, they will reduce the drug traffic on the border.
Please, reconsider your opposition.

George

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yet another google alert specialist. They're like hemmoroids, they're a pain in the butt, but they come and then go.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle: What is your point? I wouldn't think you to be one to disparage "tongue wagging".

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just answered your question, and yes, I guess I am in that group, also. The thing is, the clinic will not be coming to Clanton, at this point, so why beat a dead horse?

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on March 31, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lawd have mercy ... think I will just sit back and watch this one. Kind of like the Talladega 500, just goin' around in circles ...

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, eagle, the fact that the clinic won't be coming to Clanton was established in the article. I thought that was the whole point of the comment section--- to beat the dead horse. It's a game of one-upsmanship. I think it's well worth doing a little tongue wagging when out -of- towners chime in with their righteous indignation and try to set all of us unwashed straight, and then disappear like a poot in a whirlwind. But, I think I'm a charter member in that tongue wagging club, too. :)

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, I missed a lot too. Like Nov, I stand by every word I say. As you notice if you go back and read my postings I addressed the drug ABUSERS. I had to point that out to Debby, as, she took offense because I happened to name a drug she takes daily. It's not unchristian because I have no sympathy in this area. After actually fighting the "Drug War" and trying to help drug abusers, I saw it just was not worth the effort. If, as one poster said, it were my sons or daughter, you can bet your life I would let them self destruct. I am really using a lot of restraint here. I HAVE been in that situation. I told that person to just kill themself so that everyone would not have to suffer. That person took my advice the next day. And yes, everyone HAS been better off and moved on. I really don't care, eagle, if you want to continually question my faith everytime the subject comes up. You seem to only post for that reason and that's your choice to judge others. But you dang well know where I stand on certain issues. I have the tact and finess of a Rhino trying to stand in a fishbowl. I don't apologize for that either. And I will continue to address glass issues with a "velvet brick".

Posted by nannyof4 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwsrgraves, wow, to be able to wish someone dead to get them out or your misery is pretty powerful. I just wonder when the time comes who will you answer to for that one.
I certainly hope that not one of your children ever becomes an addict, could happen though, would you tell them to off themselves just so you won't have to suffer. Sad sad sad.
I personally know two young men that take methadone and are very productive members of society. Maybe you should tell them to off themselves too to get them out of everyone's misery. But what about their families, don't they get a say in this situation? Oh and their parents too, do they get a say or are they part of your misery also.

Posted by ProudmmtOne (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand why so many people are opposed to the clinics. Simply put it is because you don't understand how opiate addiction works and the science and facts behind what's needed to stop abuse. Whoever said methadone is only for briefly using and then getting off forever? If you use it to so called "detox" , then yes. But the rate of recidivism is extremely high when you have someone who's brain is changed forever and cannot will it to change back. Yes, a drug addict does have the responsibility for the fact that they took the illegal drugs in the first place.
I can't deny that. But's here's the thing, it is done, you can't go back in time and erase it.. and if that addict cannot stop abusing drugs, and methadone maintenance allows them to do that, then your brother, sister, mother, daughter, son, neighbor, doctor, nurse, whoever it is, can now be clean and sober and not out there committing crimes to keep from getting sick.
I bet you think that methadone causes a person to be high.
But no, not if that person is opiate dependent, that person does NOT feel high. Does not feel anything other normal.
There are plenty of people who are completely anti-methadone, who have their own personal agendas and they are spewing their so called "facts" .....such as by saying methadone is the number one killer,etc, but if you notice, they can't show you any proof to back up their claims.
These are people who are bitter because they lost a loved one to drugs and cannot face the fact their loved ones are responsible for taking the drug.
Yes! Remember that RESPONSIBILITY factor I admitted to before?
Well, it goes both ways...you can't sit there and say I am responsible for my own drug taking, but your son was not.
Period.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not my misery. And yes I would tell my own children that. If they want to ABUSE drugs, (legal or illegal), and create constant turmoil for EVERYONE around them, not just me, then just end it all quickly. Save EVERYONE around them the anguish. My middle child decided he wanted to take that path. Drugs, gangs, total lack of respect for any authority. He is NOT welcome in my home. If he overdosed tomorrow, then that is what it is. If CHOOSES to straighten up then that would be wonderful. But I did not teach him nor encourage him to travel that path. He was in church and encouraged regularly. All three of my children were led to Christ and made that decision in our living room at the times they chose. Him included. He had any school he wanted until HE decided to walk that path. And he will walk it without my help. I love him, but he wanted to be on his own. Well, he's gotten his wish.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yet another drive-by junkie apologist. This is the same kind of thinking spewed by liberals when people express non-support for obama, we're labled as racists or just ignorant. If we express an opinion about drug-heads that isn't sweet and gentle, we're labled as ignorant or worse. It just isn't politically correct to call a spade a spade anymore. But, a spade is still a spade.

Posted by Marot (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a 55yr old RN who abused Heroin in the late sixtys, early seventies. With the use of Methadone I was able to conquer my addiction for 20yrs after I tapered off. Funny thing about addiction though, that it seems a large number of you folks don't understand. Addiction is a disease that can creep up at any time. I suffered a work related back injury in 1996 and after numerous procedures and a failed surgery was sent to pain management. I progressed through 7 yrs from Vicodins,Percocets,Norcos, to Oxycontin and eventually the addiction returned in full force. Short term detox does "not" work for the majority and 3 did not work for me. Why do the same thing over and over and expect different results? An opiate addicts brain craves opiates. Detox does not "cure" this malady, nor does abstinance. "This" is why people relapse. With Methadone maintainence for 5 yrs and now Bupeprenorphine treatment, I do "not" crave opiates. The brains of most folks crave food and water as a previous poster mentioned. The intense desire for opiates, to an addict, is "stronger" than the craving of most, for food and water. You do not understand addiction if you fail to understand that simple statement.

Methadone treatment is "not" trading one addiction for another. Addiction is a desire to continue to use increasing amounts of a drug dispite negative consequences. Many MMT pts remain on the same dose for yrs. It is not a medication that creates the euphoria like Heroin/Oxycontin does, so there is no desire to increase ones dose in order to "get high". Negative consequences? I cannot think of one, unless you call improved relationships, better finances, better health, negative?

As far as society paying for treatment, most peple pay between 8-15 dollars a "day" for their Methadone. Now why on earth would an addict pay $15 a day and drive over 100 mi each day to dose if they were not getting high? Because it "works".

Marot

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Marot, addiction is not a disease, in my opinion, it is a weakness. I worked with a guy at USS who had to be taken to the clinic every morning before work to get his methodone. He was stealing thousands of dollars worth of material and tools every week to get his 15 dollar pill. He drove a truck under a trailer, destroying the cab. In his wonderful state of conciousness from methodone, he told safety I did it. Only problem was I had transferred to another jobsite in the next county three days before. But safety let him stay because he had a "script". He later destroyed an expensive piece of equipment and blamed it on lack of sleep because he had, "possums in the walls of his trashy trailer", (his words). I worked with another man who was getting methodone for his addiction to oxycotin. He was selling the methodone to buy more oxycotin. That's not statistics from the internet. That's real life experience.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kw, I've lost count. Is that four or five addicts that have flown in from out of town to tell us how "uninformed" and "uneducated" we are because we are glad that we won't be getting our very own, brand spanking new, state of the art methodone clinic for our local drugheads? I wonder how many more we'll get before midnight after they get their next fix?

Apparently these folks think that if you are not a drug addict then you have no business having an opinion on the matter. Unless, of course, you are a bleeding heart that feels sorry for them.

Posted by jdavis22 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hicks, you are exactly right, methadone does have it's place in the medical management of pain for cancer patients and other pain management. What I do not agree with is people going to these clinics to get "free" from drug addiction when all they are doing is trading one addiction for another. And to the lady who is a recovering alcoholic and ex-smoker; great job and bless your heart. You are the type of person that I spoke of earlier. You made an effort and a lifestyle change and continue to do so to better yourself. The only thing that I can say to the ones that are for the methadone clinics is sure it may help some people fight the addiction, but far more others abuse the clinics just like any other drug. I have talked to many addicts that have not been tapered off and have even had their dosages increased the longer they have been going to the clinic. Abuse is abuse! I don't understand addiction as an addict but have seen the effects on other people. I have seen people be sober and smoke free for over a year because they didn't have access to either and believe it or not they didn't die. What I have a problem with is these same people as soon as they are able to get their hands on drugs they go back to using. That is not a physical addiction! That is nothing more than making a decision to do drugs and that I have no sympathy for. I have just seen to many people that had the opportunity to be clean and sober and chose not to. You make a choice to use ILLEGAL drugs! I know that there are other medical alternatives to treating addiction than opening a methadone clinic. If someone wants to go the clinic that bad, there is one in Alabaster. I DON'T WANT IT IN MY COMMUNITY! There are enough addicts in Chilton County, let's not bring in more.

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Letter Part One:
Dear Family member or Friend;

This letter will attempt to address some common concerns of those of you who have loved ones on MMT (methadone maintenance treatment). There are many misconceptions and common misunderstandings surrounding this treatment, which education and knowledge about the treatment may alleviate. Methadone, unfortunately, is surrounded by unfair stigma and prejudice based on fears and assumptions, not science and medicine. Family members quite naturally are concerned about their loved one's health and future and want the best for them, and they may have heard some things about MMT that cause them alarm.

One of the most commonly voiced concerns is that MMT is "just trading one addiction for another". Many feel that the only way to truly recover from addiction is to abstain from all mood altering substances. At one time this was thought by most to be true. However, science has discovered that with long term opiate addiction (opiates meaning heroin, vicodin, morphine, oxycontin, etc), the brain's natural production of endorphins is shut down. Endorphins are the chemicals we all have that enable us to feel pleasure and happiness. We all have opiate receptors in our brains for these chemicals to attach to. The word "endorphin" comes from "endogenous", meaning coming from within, and "morphine"--i.e., morphine from within. These chemicals are released when we eat delicious food, make love, enjoy a beautiful sunset, exercise (runner's high), or even when we are injured, as natural painkillers. Without this natural chemical, life can be very difficult and painful.

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on March 31, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kw, I see you made it home from your near death experience in the Peruvian badlands.

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Letter Part Two:
When we flood our systems with exogenous (outside) opiates, our bodies recognize that we have plenty on board and cease to manufacture our own natural endorphins. This results in the patient feeling extremely ill when withdrawing from opiates. They experience depression, irritability, exhaustion, anger, sleeplessness, hopelessness, etc. This happens to all opiate abusers when they cease taking opiates and is to be expected. Some patients, especially those with short term addiction histories, will be able, after a few weeks or months of abstinence, to get their natural endorphins back into good working order again, and will begin to gradually improve. However, for many, the damage done is permanent. This has been demonstrated in many scientific studies involving CT scans of the addicted brain. For these patients, no amount of abstinence, group therapy, meetings, will power, or good intentions will undo the fact that their brains simply will no longer produce endorphins in sufficient quantity to enable them to live a normal, happy life. This is, in fact, very similar to the way in which diabetics require supplemental insulin because their pancreas no longer manufactures insulin. In addition, there are some patients who have never had a normally functioning endorphin system, who have struggled since birth with crippling depression, and who became addicts in an effort to relieve their constant emotional and mental misery. For them, too, abstinent recovery works poorly or not at all. This is where MMT comes in.

Methadone is a synthetic (man made) opioid drug, used to treat pain and addiction. It has some unusual properties that make it well suited to addiction treatment. It is a long acting drug, remaining active in the tissues for up to 72 hours after ingestion. It does not cause the high or euphoria caused by other, short acting opiates because it is taken up gradually by the brain, not suddenly and sharply. In fact, many overdoses involving this drug are due to people seeking the high they have come to expect with other opiates and not getting it, so they take more and more. A stable methadone patient who is not mixing the medication with other drugs--particularly benzodiazepines, which can sometimes be a very dangerous mixture-- and who is on a medically appropriate dose will not be "high" or sedated. These patients are able to work, operate a vehicle, care for children, and do anything else a normal person can do. Their minds are not "clouded". Some of these rumors may come from observing patients who are abusing other drugs, or are taking more than prescribed.

Methadone, properly administered and taken, balances the chemicals in the brain so that the patient feels normal. Unfortunately, standard antidepressants generally do not work well for those with dysfunctional endorphin systems because they target serotonin, not endorphins.

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Letter Part Three:
Methadone is also unique in that it does not attach to all the opiate receptors in the brain, leaving some open to encourage production of natural endorphins if possible. This may contribute to the healing of the addicted brain. Methadone is commonly referred to as "replacement" or "substitution" therapy, and most think that this means it is replacing the heroin, etc that the patient was abusing, when in fact, it is replacing the natural endorphins no longer being manufactured by the patient's brain, in the same way synthetic insulin substitutes for that not being made by the diabetic's own organs. Methadone treatment enables the patient to return to a normal, productive, law abiding life in a great many cases, and even when the patient continues abusing other drugs, etc, it may lower their chances of contracting a disease by reducing their drug use, and enables them to see a medical professional for assistance and referrals on a daily basis.

However, for many (not all) MMT patients, long term therapy--even life long--may be needed to maintain recovery. Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease. We do not tell diabetics, blood pressure patients, and epileptics to discontinue their medications because we know that if they do, the active disease will return. Why, then, do we encourage recovering, thriving MMT patients to do so, when the relapse rates for those discontinuing MMT is greater than 90%? Methadone is the most effective modality of treatment for opiate addiction available today--far more effective than traditional rehabs and 12 step groups alone. By no means is it the treatment of choice for every opiate addict--however, if abstinent methods have failed many times over, there is little point in continuing to try the same thing expecting different results "this time".

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Letter Final Part:
Most experts recommend that a patient remain in MMT a MINIMUM of 3 years after they cease illicit drug use. At that time, if, and only if, the PATIENT themselves wishes to begin a taper program, one can be attempted. Tapering must be done on a slow and gradual basis--no more than 10% of the dose every 2 weeks to a month. If the person begins experiencing severe cravings or withdrawals, they should stop and return to an adequate dose until symptoms subside. If the person relapses, this should not be seen as failure or weakness, but only as evidence that they may require ongoing therapy to control their symptoms. Family support is ESSENTIAL to the patient's successful recovery on MMT, and continued questions of "When are you going to get off that stuff? It's just a crutch!", etc undermine treatment efforts and sabotage recovery, leaving the patient confused, sad and frustrated instead of feeling proud and happy at the improvements in their lives. Addiction is a deadly disease and there are few effective treatments for it, so please support your loved one's recovery efforts and praise them when you see improvements. There is nothing positive to be gained by forcing them off treatment before they are ready.

If you would like more information about MMT, please seek out reputable sources such as WWW.SAMHSA.Gov, the American Assoc. for the Treatment of Opioid Disorders (AATOD) website, the White House Office of Drug Policy, etc.
Zenith
Director, ARM-Texas Chapter
C.M.A. (Certified Methadone Advocate)
http://www.readybb.com/watchdog/viewtopi...

"Question Authority!"

Posted by ViciousTruth (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

“It behoves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others: or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own.” - Thomas Jefferson

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is there a full moon tonight?

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all the nuts that have appeared out of thin air today, the squirrels should be fat and sassy for a while.

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on March 31, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, this stuff is gettin' weird ...

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think they're burnt up, man! Brains is fried, man! They must be getting in BAD need of another fix from the "clinic".

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dude, it was just Wheeler pass. Normally a six hour round trip. Unless one spits coffee through his nose and gets stuck on huge rocks in a creek bed.

Nov, did Timothy Leary clone himself? These pro-methodone IDIOTS are multiplying like maggots!

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can see the news headline: "Methodone Clinic Construction Won on Appeal, New Building Construction Mysteriously Destroyed In The Middle of The Night"

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In case anyone is ignorant enough to ask. I am a recovering addict. I did not choose to become addicted. I have never done heroin or any other illegal drug. I became addicted to pain medication after a car accident. I didn't go into this hoping to become an addict. I got on Methadone when I got pregnant with my daughter and guess what, she was NOT born addicted, was actually NEGATIVE for methadone. She never had an ounce of anything wrong with her. And she is healthy to this day. No social workers, or child protective agencies, or any other crap. I work 40-60 hour weeks in the healthcare field. I'm still on Methadone, not because anyone makes me, but because it is one of the tools of my recovery. There will always be people that oppose this. There will always be people that refuse to educate themselves and remain closed minded. That's too bad for them and their families and their children. You may think that by not having the clinic in your area that you are keeping addicts out. WRONG, as they are already there. Sitting next to you at work, school, church, everywhere. They could be your next door neighbor or best friend. You never know. And God forbid you ever have to deal with addiction first hand. Once you have been where we are, felt what we felt, and had the disease of addiction. Come talk to me then. Oh, by the way. I pay for my medication as do 90% of most patients. There is very little funding for these programs which makes them so unaccessible to so many which is a shame. I went through six abstinence based treatment programs with NO success. The clinic I attend isn't just a place you get meds. There is counseling, support, and resources and very STRICT rules to follow. I get UA's all the time and if I test dirty, there are consequences. I'm not out there committing crimes. Show me your resources. Where do you get your info? Have you talked to an Addiction specialist? Have spoken with a Dr. that prescribes Methadone? The AMA? Anyone. Thanks.

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Idiots multiplying like maggots," Wow, that's all you've got. Come on. Tell us what you really think. I tell you what, let's propose to build another Walgreens or CVS and there won't be a peep. Yet, people go to these places to get the drugs they are addicted to. They go there to get their "fix", but that's ok, right. It's not ok to treat them. I'm sorry, did my letter actually make you THINK? Is that why your brain is fried because it challenged you? I quoted my sources. Get on the ball and quote yours. I'm an intelligent, proud, independent mother, daughter, sister, lover, and I have been clean for seven years. You want to debate. Fine, give me your sources. Can't? Gee, why doesn't that surprise me? Talk about idiots!!

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a nut case! Has anyone noticed how many of these addicts claim to be in the medical field? Strange. Guess I'll start asking my nurses and Doctors if they are taking methodone.

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kwsgraves commented:Marot, addiction is not a disease, in my opinion, it is a weakness. I worked with a guy at USS who had to be taken to the clinic every morning before work to get his methodone. He was stealing thousands of dollars worth of material and tools every week to get his 15 dollar pill. He drove a truck under a trailer, destroying the cab. In his wonderful state of conciousness from methodone, he told safety I did it. Only problem was I had transferred to another jobsite in the next county three days before. But safety let him stay because he had a "script". He later destroyed an expensive piece of equipment and blamed it on lack of sleep because he had, "possums in the walls of his trashy trailer", (his words). I worked with another man who was getting methodone for his addiction to oxycotin. He was selling the methodone to buy more oxycotin. That's not statistics from the internet. That's real life experience.

Yes, there are patients like this. But this is not the standard. That is what you don't get. How do you know that I am not your next door neighbor or your child's teacher. The answer is you don't and you won't. Those of us on a stable dose, you will never know who we are. We don't steal, destroy, or ruin lives. We contribute, love, pay taxes, hold jobs, and are a part of your community!!

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kwsgraves, what if you were prescribed pain pills and found yourself addicted? It is not a moral failing or a choice or lack of will power that creates addicts. Again, tell me the sources for your information. I have cited mine. Where are yours? And yes, I do know you and you'd be surprised to find out who I am. It would blow your mind!!!

Posted by livinginthorsby (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have briefly reviewed the comments made by those in favor of meth clinics and I feel you are IDIOTS. As someone that had to deal with a DRUG ADDICT, I can honestly say I hope they do put themselves, and more importantly their family, out of misery! It's unreal how you so-called recovering addicts think, get over yourself and think about your family FOR ONCE in your life. Oh sorry, you aren't able to think of anything but your next fix, right! Get your fix elsewhere, not here in our TOWN.

Posted by livinginthorsby (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BY THE WAY, labrat, I would love to discuss the evils of addicts, having lived that life. Please feel free to e-mail me, I could write a book. Fortunately, I saw the light and my kids are drug free, alchol free, smoke free, you name it. They have never been in troube at school, home, or in the community. And, guess what, I'm not a bible thumper, just a believer...l would love to debate the evils of addicts with you.

Posted by livinginthorsby (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JENN - I feel sorry for you believing anyone that takes a pain pill as prescribed would become an addict. Doesn't work that way, sorry. You obviously have problems that you need to deal with and I hope you are able to deal with your addictions. really.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jenn, if you know me, you know my sources. You know the two years I spent as a Narcotic Agent dealing with lowlife drug abusers and sellers are plenty of source and references. You know that the time I spent overseas was icing on the reference cake. You know the time I spend in the inner cities of America are real life experiences. As for knowing you, I don't think I want to by your own accord. You could NOT surprise me. Disgust me a little more maybe.

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kwsgraves,
That's right. You have dealt with people in the midst of their addictions. Have you dealt with people who are in recovery? Oh, but then I forget, you don't think people CAN recover and that we are all like the people you've worked with. My experiences are real life experiences too!!
And as for the comment made by livinginthorsby, you may think it impossible for ANYONE who takes pain pills for pain can become an addict, but it does happen. We don't wake up one day and decide,"Gee, I think I'll become an addict today. I want to ruin not only my life, but my families, and friends lives as well. I just need to do SOMETHING to scratch that boredom itch." It doesn't work that way. The disease of addiction can come out of nowhere and affect you before you even realize it. I know that I will never change the minds of idiots and that's ok. I know the truth of addiction, I have looked it in the eye, and I have recovered. It is possible. Again, if you think it will never touch your life, you are living in denial. It may be touching your life more than you think and you don't even know it. Addicts are everywhere, in schools, churches, next door, playing soccer with your kids, coaches, teachers, parents, lawyers, mothers, fathers, don't kid yourself. NO ONE is immune. Addiction does not discriminate. It isn't just among the poverty stricken, poor neighborhoods. It is in every town, every social circle, every school, every family, every where. You just may not see it because we aren't all active in our addiction. There are those of us in recovery, you'd be surprised. We aren't bad people, we aren't scum like you say. We love, live, breathe, work, play, feel pain, happiness, sadness, they same way you do. You 'd be surprised what you would find if you just opened your mind. I suppose I would be afraid of the unknown too. But, I also take the time to educate myself before I make a fool of myself and say things I have no knowledge about.

Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on March 31, 2009 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Respectfully I would say to these "newcomers" that you are not members of our community. You come in here off google alerts and act like we're all stupid idiots who haven't a clue. You're wrong in many ways.

If you want these clinics in your community, great, fine, that's YOUR community. But don't come here and knock us because we don't want this clinic in our community. Its our right to say no as much as it is your right to say yes.

Now go away and mind your own business, this is our community.

Posted by smith1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just want to say that after reading all the comments it really shocks me to see that one of the first things the supporters begin to do is try to call out the christians. I would like to remind them that judging is a sin. Also, I hardly call someone taking a daily dose of methadone a recovered person. You just get your fix as legally as you can. You are as addicted to the methadone as you were the other drugs. Thats just my oppinion I guess I'll just join the other uneducated idiots!

Posted by jchan (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 5:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

glad it's not judgement day, since everyone on both sides seems to be judging the other. everyone just ought to agree to disagree on this issue. it's going nowhere.

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 1, 2009 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now, about that Bingo Hall going in where the old Food World building is .... Yeah, it was going nowhere around #40.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard about that, you win local business discounts, thus not considered "gambling".

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, this has gone far enough. How 'bout everybody just take a chill pill on this one and do something a little more constructive like pickin' your nose. Sound like a bunch of ungrateful, inconsiderate whiners.

Posted by clanton_native (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Debbyrose, Can I get you a Wah Burger and some French Crys???

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KatherineReece: I agree with you completely! The outsiders need to go away and tend to THEIR community and let us handle ours. They need to just mind their business.

kw: I think you're right; Timothy Leary lives! His diciples are coming out of the woodwork! Buy, they'll go away when it's time to go the "clinic" for another hit.

Posted by njones (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not really sure why my previous posting was removed...not foul language or suggestions, just honest opinions....my 1st Amendment right to free speech was denied...... oh well,
From what I have personally seen:
Those waiting for the clinics to open:
1;..littering the area (food wrappers, cigarette butts, beer cans
2. urinating in public
3. asking for "got change for a cup of coffee". etc. to passer-bys
No, not all "customers" do that, but even if it's one. who needs it.
Again, no judgment, just fed up to the neck supporting social services to NON-taxpayers.

Posted by dmbaldwin (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have sat here and read are these postings and have given my self a headache. I should have stopped after the first few, but I didn't. Both sides are being judgemental and I am being judgemental for saying ya'll are judgemental. People are going to disagree and have arguments for and against both sides. Who's right and who's wrong? I don't know. I have known drug addicts who would do anything for the next fix. I have had family members who have had their children taken away. I have cried, begged and pleaded with them. I have prayed and prayed. Did this mean God didn't hear my prayers when the adult didn't quit the drugs and the children were taken away? No, he put the children in a better place. They have now been adopted by parents who aren't addicted and can take care of them. I do not know what it is like to be addicted, but that doesn't mean I don't have an opinion. Just because someone hasn't walked in someone else's shoes does not mean thier opinion is stupid or shouldn't count. Unless things change in this country we are all allowed our opinion. If a person doesn't agree with me I don't call them stupid or an idiot. They just don't agree. KW makes a lot of comments I don't agree with. I have never come back with name calling that would make ME look bad. So people disagree. So what? That is what makes us all unique. It's all the name calling and bashing that's makes us look and sound stupid.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, I thought you would take the bait Dr, and that sure ain't gummy worms hanging off your sun visor.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Debby, I NEVER said I wished anyone dead. Go back and read carefully. I thought all these folks that are far more educated than me would have been able to read words without adding mind reading in the mix. As for my son, yes told him those exact words. I have dealt with family members all my life that claimed some illness or injury or childhood trauma as a crutch to ABUSE drugs, (legal and illegal). I don't wish anyone dead. But I will tell you too, if you are so miserable, can't contribute positively in this world, are causing emotional and financial hardships on everyone around you, then it's time to do one of two things. Straighten out or get out!

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ya'll are right. This is OUR community and OUR problem. But, if others want to read about this and comment, that is their right. I'm a good,law abiding, productive member of this community. I have children that love me, a family that I take care of, and a job where people rely on me. I don't get my "fix" from the clinic. Just because I don't go to Chandler Drugs over on 7th or CVS on 7th or Rite Aid on Ollie doesn't mean that my medication is any less needed or legit. Smith1 states," Also, I hardly call someone taking a daily dose of methadone a recovered person. You just get your fix as legally as you can. You are as addicted to the methadone as you were the other drugs. " Well, I guess you would think this as you must not know the difference between physical dependence and ADDICTION! That's ok. Just remember. We are your neighbors, your children's teachers, nurses, doctors, Sunday school teachers, etc. We will never go away and keeping a clinic out of our community will just make encourage people NOT to get help because they don't want to be shunned and shamed by people like you!!

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As you know, my user name is not my real name. But for anyone who is interested, my daughter is in Ms. Cleckler's Kindergarten class at Clanton Elementary. She is just like all the other kids. You would never know her mom is in recovery. I don't advertise it because of the small-minded people here. I'm one of the lucky ones that got help despite everyone's judgment of those who have the disease of addiction. Thank GOD I didn't trust anyone enough to tell them. Ya'll would have run my family out of town. Now I can work with my daughter's class without having to worry if someone is going to find out that I'm an addict. I don't worry because I'm clean. That's all that matters and my daughter is loved, well-rounded, and precious. I won't make anymore comments because it doesn't help. I only hope that the appeal goes through. It sure would help a lot of people that need it. We are not immune you know. Like I said, I'm a productive, positive member of this community and I help out at school, the kids and teachers love me, I have a job, I pay taxes, I support my daughter and protect her and love her and at least I know how to keep her safe. She will grow up with an open mind and compassion. She won't shun someone just because they are sick, but she will also know how to set boundaries to keep herself safe. It can be done and recovery can be achieved, even with Methadone.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dm, this forum is nothing but echoes. The egotistical, speculative comments about the topic are nothing but childish rants from people who don't know a hill of beans about the subject. It's like watching a bunch of cats hunching their backs, tip-toeing sideways with the hair standing straight up. So funny. It's amazing what people will say when they are invisible.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So, those of us who never made the CHOICE to use illegal drugs or ABUSE legal ones are small minded, and the folks that did fall into the trap of drug enslavement are broad minded and much more evolved and intelligent? Give me a freaking break! This is one more situation that does not require a judgement call, it is what it is.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1: For some reason I can't quite see you. Oh, there you are. You're the one that always has the educated and profound statements. You're getting a little high on your horse, aren't you?

Posted by jchan (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

november you will not stop until you get the last word in. i think everyone knows where everyone stands on this issue. this is getting boring.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tell you what, you go ahead and say something that makes sense and it can be the last word. If it is so boring, why are so many people still reading the comments?

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If it were getting boring, you might be doing something else, elsewhere. :) Nov, I agree with you on the last one. Eagle, pal, we do tolerate you. But we rarely if never see a comment from you about the subject matter. You seem to only comment on other's comments. That's my comment on you commenting on other's comments on comments in the articles. ;)~
Jchan I am like my dog, when I tell her to stop barking. She stops momentarily, the gets one more bark in. LOL

Posted by jchan (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kw-lol
november i really do enjoy reading these comments and seeing other peoples views, but my words everyone thats commenting keeps saying the same thing over and over. it is obvious that nobody is going to agree on this matter. so i guess i will wait for another comment session to start up, because i feel like i keep reading the same thing over and over and over.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hear ya! Have a nice day! :-)

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully, someone else will comment so that won't be the last word! :)

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WOOF!

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh I do comment occasionally, kw. It must go over your head because you're too busy with "me, myself, and I". As far as you tolerating me and commenting, well this is a public forum. I don't see your name listed as the host, owner, editor, or otherwise. You are every bit as guilty commenting on the comments as anyone, so just grin & bear it. Stirring the pot, as you put it, right?

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

...Not any more than the rest of the commenter's , November.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yup, eagle. Jes ribbin' ya. Easy boy. Don't git D-fence-if.

Posted by njones (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jennm: It's encouraging to know your daughter will be open-minded and compassionate...will this include pedophiles,rapists and the whole 9 yards or it is a pick and choose who to be open=mnded and compassionate to?

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chillin' as we speak. I don't get defenceif. May have a record if this hits 150+ today. "What we have here ... is a failure .. to communicate."

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree eagle. Most of us who regularly comment are certainly guilty of pontificating. I resemble that remark! Have a good one!

njones: Very good point!

Posted by njones (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Cool Hand Eagle"

THAT's the answer....my God Eagle, you DID it!!!

Send the meth ABUSERS to the chain gang!

To all:

I used the word : ABUSERS!!!!!!!!

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And to you Mrs. Jones, good point. ABUSERS. Let the guilty cry out defensivly.

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 1, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang Nov., "pontificating", ... had to look that one up. Coulda' said, "guilty of smart a___ remarks". I would have understood that.

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me just say from jump street, I do not use or condone drug use.

But, whether you agree with or oppose the idea of a methaadone clinic, it does not change the fact that drugs are here to stay. The war on drugs is almost a joke. America is the number one drug using country.

Just food for thought.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There was sale going on today for 50 cent words. I got that one for a quarter! I bought a bunch more, too, but I don't know how to use them yet! :P

Posted by steve42 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like the Alert crowd got bored and moved on... oh wait, no, there are a couple of hundred more recent stories that have been picked up by Google News and they're all over on the sites from Calgary, Connecticut, Tennesee and all the other places where methadone clinics are being considered defending their "rights".

So long, one trick ponies! Have a nice stupor, I mean, life!

Posted by kittycreek (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To You people, on both sides of this controversy, who call others idiots, just because they don't agree with you- Ya'll sound like a bunch of drunk rednecks!!! Ha! Ha!

Just kidding!

But really, so many harsh words and insults - play nice, now, children.....☺☺☺

Posted by kittycreek (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nov,

If words are going for 50 cents and thoughts are only a penny...that explains a lot!

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Debby, I am guilty! I dig, pick, pull, tug, blow, and anything else I can do to get concrete, sheetrock, coal, and flyash dust out of my nose. After ten hours in a precipitator, coal crusher area, or new construction area, I really don't care who sees it. And yes that coal is black gold. LOL!
As for the clinic, the proposed location was about 3 miles from my house. My dog has strayed farther than that. The ones that think they need methodone can drive to Shelby to get it. I seriously doubt those from Shelby would drive here to get it. If so many doctors are prescribing it, then, an added clinic is useless.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

... and like I said an hour ago Dr, that sure ain't gummy worms hangin' from your sun visor. You have a short attention span, girl. How tall are you?

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 1, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's cool, Nov. I actually learned something new today.

Posted by mugshot35046 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok ok i want the last word "WORD" there i said it now move on

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dude, I, too, learned something. I learned that you don't watch Bill O'Reilly as much as November does. Because, besides popinjay, pontificating is one of his favorite terms for other news medium.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, mugshot, my timing was off.

WOOF!!!grrrr

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 1, 2009 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right, I don't watch Bill O'Reilly at all, mainly because I don't get the channel.

Posted by mugshot35046 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dang its ok kw i'll just let my tail drag the ground and move over :(

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm still scratching my head about kittycreek admonishing ANYBODY about using insults and calling names. I remember her getting deleted a time or two for those same things a while back. kitty, if I give you a penny for your smartest thought, could you give me some change back? :P

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kw: I don't watch Bill O'Reilley that much. I like him, don't always agree with him, but I like him. Dave Ramsey is on at the same time and I usually watch him instead. I've had a dictionary for years, and I actually use it sometimes. :P

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 1, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yer crystal ball has a kink in it, kw.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guess I need to rinse my crystal ball with saline solution instead of licking it before I pop it back into my eye socket! DOH!

Posted by jennmkillgore (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"It's encouraging to know your daughter will be open-minded and compassionate...will this include pedophiles,rapists and the whole 9 yards or it is a pick and choose who to be open=mnded and compassionate to?"

Normally I would keep my daughter away from people like this, but if you ask really nice njones, I guess I could make an exception. But only this one time. I want to limit her exposure to pedophiles and rapists as much as humanly possible.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man! I wish we had a methodone clinic here! We could really be somebody then. Then we could "progress" like some of the cities around us. You need one of those if you want to be a happening place like Alabaster or Prattville, with all their stores and restaurants and such. Can't have one without the other.

Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 1, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jenn, give it a rest. This one has hit bottom. Unless you have an empty eye socket, gummy worms hangin' from your sun visor, or know a big word that is not in kw's vocabulary ... Hasta la vista!

Posted by LM (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jennmkillgore:
Just curious. Why was is necessary to tell what class your daughter is in at CES?

Posted by njones (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

logged in later tonight and I just might be "150" as predicted by oh one of you ..too many posts to look back.
jennm: you totally missed the point..but I'll be open minded to think you just didn't "get it" and be compassionate towards the situation.

Bill O'reilly...he's on my tv right this very moment.
Personally, I like "don't be a pinhead", but I do look forward to the vocabulary word at the end of the program.
As a note, I got deleted and never said a bad thing! HMMM must have been because I'm a Yankee.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps jenn is......use your imagination. Unlike some of us srgraves IS my real name. I have nothing to hide. But if you look at the postings six or seven jumped in here yesterday, for the first and only time. Jenn picked a school teacher's name listed in another place on the web. She picked two pharmacies that are easy to look up on the internet. But if she were using personal knowledge she would not have listed Rite Aide on Ollie Ave. Nor CVS on 7th street. If she were familiar with the topography, (look it up Michael), she would have mentioned those two by the highway they face that is commonly, locally, known.

Eagle1, this should be 150th posting.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

njones, you clipped me by one minute. Dang preview page. Speaking of...you didn't use the word "DANG". You and Debby used the word with the SAME intended meaning, but, different spelling. That is how simple it is in Clanton. And you think Sunday alcohol sales, bingo parlors, and a Hooters restaurant were big issues. (EYES ROLLING) You committed an unpardonable Advertiser sin! LOL!

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it all depends on who has their finger on the knee-jerk reaction button as to whether you get deleted or not.

Posted by mugshot35046 (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok come on now i want to have the last word and if i dont i'm taking my ball home and not going to play anymore now WORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Posted by anothergoogler (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please pardon yet another intrusion by an avid google alerter...... Not to intrude, but wanted to say it was a good call to kwsrgraves about the jenn person. These people who have invaded your community blog are all from two sites that are discussing your comments, and the article posted. The letter the jenn person posted to family and friends is all the proof a person would need to know she is not living in your area, but instead is just another advocate for the use of methadone for whatever ails ya... She's a clinic patient, not a member of your community. This happens every time I read any comments to any article anywhere that are not speaking of methadone as the greatest thing to hit mankind since the wheel. It's the same arguments over and over. It's ridiculous. They ALL know what things are like at a methadone clinic. They just don't want anyone else to... OK, once again, sorry for the intrusion. Please do carry on.

Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on April 1, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, it was obvious to a po, unedumacated, backerds, redneck, honky.

Posted by njones (anonymous) on April 2, 2009 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's Thurs morning 7:19 (6:19 in YOUR neck of the woods).. KW, Nope never used the word "Dang"..come to think of it, I may never have used that word! Just got deleted because I must have stepped on some toes.
Sorry I clipped ya! It was an amazing 'cause where I am, I still have blastedly slow dial-up!
I could actually translate your most recent posting....I fall into the same profile!

Posted by kittycreek (anonymous) on April 2, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

November,

Two things - First I have never been deleted. Second, I was just kidding around with a little polite reminder.....and I don't start name calling just because someone doesn't agree with me (Well, three things, then). In the event that I become overwhelmed with the disire to call names, I'll start with YOU. Ha! Ha! Have a wonderful day! ☺

Posted by bamabug5 (anonymous) on April 2, 2009 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jennmkillgore:
Are you sure you are a Mom that helps out in Ms. Lori Cleckler's kindergarten class at Clanton Elem. School? Are you sure about that? Hmmmmm.........

Posted by Rose (anonymous) on April 5, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was a staff member in an Alabama Methadone clinic for a number of years; but, I am not a proponent of Methadone Maintenance Therapy, at least not in this state. I think one of the main problems here in Alabama is that the clinics here are privately owned, for-profit businesses, designed to generate as much money as possible. The company Owner, Executive Director, and Program Manager, at the clinic I worked in would say one thing for PR purposes and something totally different behind closed doors. I've never seen a more corrupt bunch of people in my life! The clinics are "cash cows" for these folks. Dispensing Methadone generates a tremendous amount of profit for them. I think allowing this type of "therapy" to be in the hands of a for-profit business owner has an inherent conflict of interest built into the structure that I could clearly see, on a daily basis, influenced the way they treated their "clients", and delivered "counseling" services. In plain English, I think the Methadone clinics here are no better than legalized drug dealers where the real bottom line to their management staff is all about profits. Staff quickly learns to play the game and to parrot the PR lines their employers want them to defend. It's either that or forfeit their jobs and paychecks. The real question I've always asked myself is why the State of AL has allowed these for-profit clinics to operate and expand into other communities in the first place. Oh, yeah, I forgot. The clinic owners are always extemely wealthy people who are very influential. Their profit generating Methadone dispensing businesses generate tax revenue for the communities that allow them in, too. It's all about the money. That's the bottom line.

Posted by George (anonymous) on April 7, 2009 at 2:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NY mayor to close down methadone clinics.

[quote][b]In July, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announced the end of methadone treatment programs in New York City within the next four years. The Mayor accused methadone treatment of substituting one addiction for another. He hopes to replace methadone programs with complete abstinence, a more "moral" means of treatment. Methadone, taken orally by recovering addicts to quell the desire for heroin, is used by about 40,000 persons in New York City (Rachel L. Swarns, "Mayor Wants To Abolish Use of Methadone," New York Times, July 21, 1998, p. B1; Beth Gardiner, "Giuliani Plans to Wean Methadone Users," Washington Post, August 23, 1998, p. A16[/b][/quote]

Source: http://www.ndsn.org/sepoct98/treat2.html...

Well... He changed his mind. Pretty amazing don't you think?

George Clarke A member of the loyal opposition to those who oppose clinics.

Posted by labrat (anonymous) on April 24, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

blah blah blah blah blah....same ole CHIT, different day. I wish you nimby types would PLEASE come up with some new lines! As soon as a clinic is proposed for an area, it's like the townsfolk get out a play by play that tells them exactly what to say and do so that they look really uncompassionate and completely ignorant.

I have only one thing to add....you people act as though your being asked to provide this treatment out of your homes and paycheck or something! You talk about how much you hate drug addict and how they get what they deserve---blah blah blah.

What I don't get is this---all these people are asking for is PERMISSION to open a business! They aren't asking you to pay for it, agree with it or even condone it! They are asking for their rights as American citizens to open a clinic and the patients are asking for the right to pay for and chose their own medical treatment!

I don't need excuses. Every drug I ever did was an attempt to get high. Some people climb mount everest. I used drugs. Some people eat...some people run. Last time I checked this was still a free country--and although I don't YET have the right to ingest whatever drugs I see fit--I DO HAVE THE RIGHT to decide for myself what the course of my medical treatment will be.

So again I ask you all--besides this clinic being "too close" (which is the lamest excuse I have ever heard since every pharmacy in the country hands out methadone every single day and you probably have quite a few pharmacies in town!)...what REAL right do you have to decide what is best for someone else....for that matter if these people are interacting with you on a daily basis at stores, at home at school and at work---how can you possibly think they are scarier going to the clinic? I mean get a clue people! The junkies that are still doing "bad" chit while they are on methadone...those people you are so scared of? Guess what? The ONLY time during the day that those people ARE NOT A THREAT TO YOU IS WHEN THEY ARE IN THE CLINIC GETTING THEIR DOSE.....because we don't misbehave at the clinic--we misbehave out in the world--all around you.

To the lady that is three miles from the clinic...are you freaking kidding me lady?You'll be safer with the clinic near you, you dumb ass! You know dam well the cops in your podunk town are gonna be all over a clinic if it comes....and clinics have to have an outrageous amount of secruity for the medication.

Posted by lokmk89 (anonymous) on May 30, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I goto a methadone clinic in this quiete offensive to me. Do people relize its just not herion junkees, alot of the people are there for serious pain (In actually need pain medication to live a normal life) because the dr the went to before lost his liscence or cut you off over pressure for the government. Going to a methadone clinc has nothing but improved my life a completly 360 degrees. Some people a methadone clinic is needed for them its better then goin to a dope house and getten robbed stabed shot in killed. Should look up something and why its needed before someone should right a article this ignorant. METHADONE CLINICS SAVE LIVES