Methadone therapy questioned

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33093, 7 December 1972, Page 2

Methadone therapy questioned

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 6. The practice of methadone maintenance is not a practical solution to the drug problem, according to submissions to the Royal Commission of inquiry into hospital and related services, today. The opinion was given in a submission from two Waikato University lecturers, Mr B. S. Parsonson, senior lecturer in psychology, and Mr P. N. Priest, junior lecturer in psychology. The assumption was that

the satisfied user of methadone would not try to get other drugs, they said. “This approach is being used by general practitioners in New Zealand. Recent medical opinion, however, has suggested that the general practioner is neither qualified nor equipped to deal adequately with drug abuse in this way. “Methadone does not appear to be any less harmful, nor does it appear to have lower side-effects than heroin. “A recent report from the United States indicates that most of the drug-related deaths occurring there now are among people receiving prescribed methadone. “Also, to our knowledge, [the only methadone maintenance programme that has

been set up in New Zealand failed.” The reasons for the failure appeared to be little different from those experienced overseas — attendance at the hospital pharmacy to collect the methadone was poor, and many continued the concurrent use of other opiates. Amphetamines and barbiturates continued to be abused to almost the same extent. “There would appear to be no viable alternative to training the addict to cease his habit, and we would suggest that attention be given to this research problem,” said the submission. Messrs Parsonson and Priest also recommended that consideration be given to the establishment of recognised training programmes for the

staff of homes and institutions. They also urged classes for individuals with behavioural disturbances ■— including mental retardates and delinquents. “In many instances the staff of these services have little or no training in the treatment and care of these charges. Those with the most extensive contact with patients are best suited to effect therapeutic behavioural vioural changes.” The submission also called for careful consideration to be given to the role, status, and conditions of employment of psychologists, to avoid a repetition of previous exodus from this country. Need was seen for greater professional responsibility and co-operation in therapeutic work.