|
|
Published March 20, 2007 12:47 am -
Kansas: Using methadone as a painkiller is proving deadly
The Associated Press
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The increasing use of methadone for pain relief, rather than to help people overcome addiction, has led to a sharp spike in deaths, both nationally and in Kansas.
A 2004 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that increased prescription of methadone through pharmacies is driving the growth in methadone-related deaths.
Methadone-related poisoning deaths grew 389 percent between 1999 and 2004, from 786 to 3,849, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In Kansas, such deaths grew from four to 25 in that period.
Dr. William McKnelly and his staff have been doling out methadone at the Kansas City Metro Methadone Program for decades. Patients pay $9 per day to come to the clinic, drink their dose and continue with their day.
McKnelly said some doctors using methadone to relieve pain “have no clue” about the drug and its powers.
Use of opiates other than methadone also is increasing. Oxycodone prescriptions increased 50 percent between 1999 and 2002, and morphine prescriptions grew 60 percent, according to a study cited in January’s Journal of the American Medical Association. The most prescribed drug nationwide is the painkiller hydrocodone, with more than 100 million prescriptions in 2005.
McKnelly and his staff say they have had more patients in recent years who are hooked on prescription pills. McKnelly calls OxyContin “the worst thing in the world.”
Methadone-maintenance therapy has three goals: to block cravings, to dull any euphoric sensations related to taking other drugs and to keep the person from going into withdrawal.
“Trying to get off any opiates is awful. It’s hell,” said Kerry McLay, a Lawrence substance-abuse counselor. “You have extreme body aches and nausea. Most people need to go to the hospital and medically detox.”
McKnelly said he knows that clinics such as his “bother some idealistic people” who see it as swapping one drug for another. But he said dispensing the drug in a legal setting reduces crime and the chances of people getting HIV or hepatitis from a needle.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:
|
 |
|
ACCOUNTANT
Local Construction firm needing full charge accountant, duties include general ledger, accounts receivable/billing, acco...>MORE
DELIVERY DRIVER
We have a full time position open for a delivery driver. Position consists of working part time in the warehouse in addi...>MORE
UP IN FLAMES
WOOD FIRE PIZZA AND PASTA now hiring MANAGERS, SERVERS, BARTENDER Apply 1612 S. Madison, Webb City, behind Subway...>MORE
CNA AND CMT
CNA AND CMT Joplin Healthcare Center is looking for CMT for day 12 hour shift. Also a CNA for night 12 hours shift. Exc...>MORE
DRIVERS WANTED
DRIVERS WANTED Drivers needed for Waste Corporation of Joplin, a growing company in the Joplin and surrounding areas. ...>MORE
TRUCK MECHANIC
needed for Waste Corporation of Joplin. Competitive pay and benefits package. Requires candidate to own hand tools...>MORE
OLIVE GARDEN
Now accepting applications Line Cooks, Dishwashers, and Lunch Servers Interviewing 2-4 p.m. Monday through Fr...>MORE
OPINIONS WANTED
For legal research project. Participants will listen to presentations and express their opinions. Project scheduled for ...>MORE
LOCAL DRILLING COMPANY
needs a rock driller. Must have experience in hydraulics. Company vehicle provided. (417)662-7267...>MORE
CHILD CARE WORKER
CHILD CARE WORKER Part-time position working with children 0-6 at Discovery Center childcare center. Day and evening h...>MORE
See all ads |
|
1957 CHEVROLET
2 door post, project, rust free Texas car, no motor or transmission, good Missouri title, $7500. Bob 417-781-1932 ...>MORE
2005 HONDA SHADOW VLX 600
2,000 miles, color white, $3950. (417)673-3860....>MORE
2006 CHEVROLET HHR LT
automatic, 40,000 miles, loaded with options, $6200. (417)434-2949....>MORE
FORD 2000 1 TON
Ford, 2000 1 ton, 4X4, 6 speed, duals, flatbed, 7.3 diesel, $6800; 1998 Bucket truck, 55’ Altec. 417-358-8636, 483-9700....>MORE
LEXUS 2002 ES
LEXUS, 2002 ES 300, silver/gray leather, navigation, heated seats, second owner, 94,000 miles, $10,900. 620-856-2804, 41...>MORE
1990 GMC HIGH SIERRA
short wide bed, 2 wheel drive, V-8, power windows/locks, air, CD, tinted windows, chrome wheels. $2,000 or best offer. (...>MORE
GMC, 2006
2500 4x4, regular cab/bed, 133,000 miles, $9850. (417)214-0022....>MORE
1932 FORD
5 window, coupe, glass body rolling chassis, torch thrust, 2 wheels, etc, $18,000. (417)781-1932, or 417-437-9942...>MORE
NEED 2 DRIVERS
with 3 years plus $ miles with turn arounds back to Joplin, MO. Home often. 417-325-7320....>MORE
LEHMAN TRIKE
LEHMAN TRIKE, 2007, excellent condition, rider has health problems. $20,500. Serious inquires only. (417)529-9554....>MORE
See all ads |
|
LAKE FRONT MOBILE
Lake Front Mobile Grove, OK 1972 14 X 46 1 Bedroom, 1 bath lake front mobile home weekend getaway. Complete with furn...>MORE
OWNER FINANCE
OWNER FINANCE. $650 down, $435 monthly. 201 N. Washington, Joplin, 3 BR, garage, Full price $32,500. 417-359-4113. ...>MORE
HANDYMAN SPECIAL
Handyman Special, only $500 down, owner financing, 11% interest, $345/ month, priced at $23,900. 1120 W. 12th Street (41...>MORE
2-3 BR
Basement, newly remodeled, oak cabinets, nice wood floors, privacy fence. $79,200. 2525 N. Ozark. (417)483-0900....>MORE
OPEN HOUSE
405 Keeney Street, Carl Junction. Sunday July 12 • 2 p.m.-4 p.m. This home is owned by Carl Junction R-1 School Di...>MORE
INVESTORS OR START-UP
INVESTORS OR START-UP 1217 Central. $67500 2 bedroom, 1 bath, very nice,room to build more. See more at homesbyowner.co...>MORE
OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE 7/5/09 1:00-4:00 2281 sq. ft. Updated kitchen 4 br + bonus room 2 living areas Metal roof. Stapleton school ...>MORE
See all ads |
|
ANTIQUE RADIO
ANTIQUE Radio; hanging lamps; china cabinet; carnival glass; Singer featherweight machine; 2 ladies and men diamond ring...>MORE
MALTIES PUPS
$150-$300; Yorkies, $300; Morkies-$200. 592-7827, leave message....>MORE
LAB PUPPIES
lab puppies, AKC 1 chocolate male 1 chocolate female 1 black male 1 black female Master, senior, and junior hunters on ...>MORE
INDEPENDENCE DAY BLOW OUT SALE
20% off all grocery items 20% off all cleaning supply items 20% off all refrigerators, dishwashers, deep...>MORE
MINIATURE DACHSHUND PUPPIES
6 weeks old, $100. (417)781-4099....>MORE
COLLEGE STUDENT
COLLEGE STUDENT LOOKING FOR FEMALE ROOMMATE I am looking for a female roommate with Christian values to share my du...>MORE
2002 LOWE TAHITI
2002 Lowe Tahiti 22 Deck Boat with 2002 Johnson 150 hp motor, fully loaded and lake ready, $12,500. (620)856-5165 or (41...>MORE
ATTEMPTING TO LOCATE
realitives of late father, Aziel Murphy, who married Maxine Steele, of Oklahoma, on June 10, 1929. Contact Tresa Collins...>MORE
SHIH-TZU PUPPIES
$125 each; Shih-tzu adults free to a good home, (417)439-5568....>MORE
LOST: 10 YEAR OLD YELLOW LAB
Goldie has on a flea collar, lost 6/28 between Oak Grove and Tipton Ford. PLEASE call 417-438-2828....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|