Pantagraph.com Weather forecast, local radar and more
Letters to the EditorSunday, August 12, 2007 1:13 AM CDT
Help drug addicts get outpatient therapy
Advertisement

This letter is in response to the article on addicts and treatment centers (``For addicts, a 32-day wait for help is deadly,'' Aug. 5, page A1).

There is now a drug called suboxone that can be used on an outpatient basis. There is a list of physicians on the Internet who administer this drug, and offer outpatient therapy. Most insurance companies and drug cards cover it, however, there needs to be something done to help the indigent receive this treatment.

This is a major problem in our country, and I find it hard to believe that more people don't know about this treatment.

I have witnessed with my own eyes the change it can make in someone who lived each day figuring out how he was going to get his next fix, to this caring individual who is working full time - and overtime - trying clear up his life.

He has been detoxed before, but he said the craving never leaves. Suboxone helps you not have that craving, and also blocks other opioids should you try to use them.

It is very expensive and, for whatever reason, not always easy to get, which is a major roadblock for people who don't have the means. They need our help,

Charlene Hohulin

Rural Congerville

Video stories
Most commented stories
Community calendar
Browse online archives
Recent issues:
Reader comments on this story - 5 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Frenchy wrote on Sep 4, 2007 12:03 AM:

" You guys got it all wrong.Suboxone is NOT alprazolam.The primary active ingredient in SUBOXONE is buprenorphine.Also the doctors are ON the internet,there is a SEARCH ENGINE to find a doctor licensed to prescribe it on the internet. "

To: Something wrote on Aug 13, 2007 2:17 PM:

" Sorry, but I don't want my tax dollars being spent on someone's rehab. Don't do the dope to begin with and chances are pretty slim that you'd need rehab. Take the dollars instead and catch the dealers and put them away for life. Sorry about sounding so harsh, but without the supply, we wouldn't have to be talking about rehab. "

Something Needs to be Done wrote on Aug 13, 2007 6:39 AM:

" We can't keep sitting around and hoping that those drug addicts will just go away. The only way they will "go away" is if the overdose and die. Unfortunately, too many people suffer this fate. I went to high school with Adam Heron who was featured in the Pantagraph a couple of weeks ago. I had no idea he had passed away in April. I remember him as a kid who loved to have a good time. Always joking around and giving everyone a hard time. A genuine person. He'll always be missed and always remembered. It's his story that shows exactly how flawd our justice and rehab systems are. We shouldn't have to turn people away from rehab. I believe the State/Federal Governmants should completely fund rehab programs inpatient and outpatient. Thusfore making it available to EVERYONE who needs it and most of all WANTS it. Something needs to be done... "

I just submitted a ....... wrote on Aug 12, 2007 2:20 AM:

" comment saying that my husband has not heard of this drug, Suboxone and he hasn't. I then looked online for it and found that it is Alprazolam, which has been around for a LONG time. I personally know people who have used it and it did not stop their cravings and they relapsed time and time again. I'm glad it worked for this person's friend, but after working in a treatment facility myself, I have to say in all honesty that Suboxone/Alprazolam did not do that for clients I knew. Best of luck to your friend. I pray he stays clean. "

Must be something..... wrote on Aug 12, 2007 2:07 AM:

" that is VERY new. My husband is a drug and alcohol counselor and has never heard of this drug, which is strange if it is that good. He receives updates on new procedures and/or meds every month. This makes me suspicious since insurance companies and drug cards do not pay for this and since one has to get it off the internet. Why can't it be gotten from a pharmacy and why are the 'doctors' who prescribe it and do outpatient therapy on the internet? Lots of questions here as to the safety and legality of this as well as these 'doctors' who counsel via the internet. "

Add your own comments

Please read the rules before posting comments.

You must be logged in to leave comments.
If you don't have a member ID, please register.

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?