Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Julie Bowles, Public Affairs
(416) 847-0751
jbowles@bellwood.ca

(Toronto, ON - April 14, 2009) Methadone maintenance therapy has been used for decades as a means for individuals to recover from their addiction to heroin and other opioids. Methadone is a narcotic usually offered to patients as a long-term opioid replacement geared towards reducing the harms associated with addiction.

While methadone maintenance treatment can be viewed as a safe alternative for someone struggling with an opioid addiction, many individuals would prefer not to take any narcotic on an ongoing basis. To meet this need, Bellwood Health Services is now offering a Methadone Tapering and Addiction Treatment Program - a new treatment option for individuals who are ready to take their recovery from addiction to the next level and achieve complete abstinence.

Dr. Mark Weiss, Bellwood's Medical Director views this new program as a unique and exciting treatment option. According to Dr. Weiss, "Most methadone tapering programs don't offer intensive medical care combined with residential treatment that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of individuals who want to come off their methadone. Bellwood's Methadone Tapering and Addiction Treatment Program is a total treatment model designed to help individuals experience complete healing in all aspects of their lives."

Bellwood's holistic, comprehensive program is offered by a team of experienced addiction treatment professionals who provide each client with:

• A confidential and thorough addiction assessment
• Medical care provided by an experienced addiction doctor, who will monitor individuals as they are tapered down on their methadone dosage
• A team of experienced addiction treatment professionals who will provide nursing care, counselling and education
• Continuing care and support

The Ontario government currently spends $4.3 million a year in methadone maintenance initiatives, and the individual patient may spend up to $3, 650 annually for their methadone. Bellwood's program not only can help individuals enjoy a higher quality of life, but the program can also save patients and the healthcare system from the financial burden associated with years of frequent medical visits and medication costs that go along with methadone maintenance therapy.

Bellwood is celebrating its 25th year of serving Canadians with quality addiction treatment. The late Dr. Gordon Bell and his daughter Linda Bell, opened the Bellwood doors in Toronto in 1984, and have been working with individuals and families who are experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, sex, and eating disorders. For more information on any of Bellwood's treatment programs, visit www.bellwood.ca or contact Julie Bowles at (416) 847-0751.

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