Addiction programs could be affected if methadone funding is cut

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by Change | 26 May 2010

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People receiving drug addiction support in California could be affected by a possible decision to cut methadone funding.

Thousands of Californians receiving drug addiction support may be affected by a possible decision to cut the use of methadone on addiction programs.

The state's Republican administration is considering the idea of cutting funding for 'methadone maintenance', with the synthetic narcotic used by many people attempting to recover from drug addiction, The Sacramento Bee reports.

Barry McCaffrey, the ex federal drug czar, has expressed concern over the plans and will attempt to persuade legislators that cutting funding will have negative consequences for California.

"Dumping tens of thousands of opiate addicts back on the street would be an immediate disaster to law enforcement and to the families of people who have become stable, functioning adults," he told the newspaper.

The cuts, which the state government believes will save $53 million a year, would apply to everyone except pregnant women and those aged under 18, a measure that would affect approximately 35,000 Californians.

Research has shown methadone is able to help drug addicts deal with their cravings and heroin withdrawal symptoms.

It works by depressing the nervous system which reduces both psychological and physical pain, allowing the patient to experience feelings of relaxation, warmth and a sense of detachment.

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