Clinch Valley News September 15, 2004
Life Center of Galax opened a clinic in Tazewell County (LCG/T) has helped hundreds of people successfully with Methadone treatment, counseling, and group therapy. The people enrolled in the Life Center and the clinic has been met with scrutiny and stigma based on misunderstanding of methadone. People need to understand that this is a medication that is prescribed by a dr.
In response to the recent article in the Clinch Valley News, ACLU Takes up Probationer’s Case it is clear the judicial system in Southwest, VA need to educate themselves on methadone treatment instead of punishing those who seek help through treatment and adding to the negativity to the people who seek help voluntarily. This may be the first “public” case, but this is in no way an isolated incident.
As an advocate, I hear of many cases, that a person must stop treatment because they are on probation or going to be put on probation, and this includes house arrest and parole as well. If they do not stop seeking Methadone treatment while on probation, then they will be in violation of probation when they are given a drug screen that is positive for methadone. Many people will stop their treatment because of fear of going to jail. Withdrawal from Methadone treatment is a medical procedure that must be ordered by a physician and done with full informed consent of the patient.
By Federal law patients have the right to medically supervised withdrawal upon request. This should not be an issue that is forced by the judicial system. To force a patient to withdraw from methadone may be seen as a violation of Civil Rights and Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and this comes dangerously close to the practice of medicine without a license. Restriction imposed upon an opioid maintence treatment patient by individual officers or probation or parole departments may be seen as a violation of constitutional rights under US Section 1983 and The American Disabilities Act.
C. Jarvis
Certified Methadone Advocate
National Alliance of Methadone Advocates
VA Chapter, Co-director
P.O. Box 233
Tazewell, VA 24651