Calling all junkies

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by Naomi Bloch

Montreal junkies looking to get clean can now follow the tracks of more progressive European treatments at the Montreal General Hospital's Addictions Unit.

The centre is offering a trial detox program that turns to the latest wonder-drug, buprenorphine. "Over the years we haven't had a tremendous success rate in treating opiate addiction," says Addictions Unit Research Fellow, Dr. Ronald Fraser. "We have a hard time holding on to people and keeping them clean."

Buprenorphine is more long-acting than methadone, and suppresses withdrawal symptoms without inducing a heroin-type high. It's also purported to be an effective pain reliever and is harder to overdose on. Although all the rage in Europe, the medication is not widely available in Canada, and treatment programs have to apply for special access from Ottawa.

After a 12-week buprenorphine treatment, administered in tablet form, patients switch to an antiopiate called maltrexone. "It blocks opiate receptors, so if you use while you're on it, there's no high," explains Fraser. Patients are encouraged to continue on the antiopiate for at least a year.

The treatment program involves follow-ups every three months and group therapy, open to all opiate addicts. For more info contact Dr. Fraser at 937-6011, ext.2044.