The daily battle to control drug abuse

More than 80 opioid drug users addicted to substances like morphine and methadone are enrolled in special treatment programmes in Rotorua and Taupo, latest figures reveal.

Information released to the Rotorua Daily Post shows 5000 people across New Zealand were undergoing opioid substitution treatment in December, 84 of whom were registered in the Lakes District Health Board region.

Opioid substitution treatment - which often involves prescribing the Class B drug methadone to combat addiction - aims to "reduce the risk of drug-related harm" to addicts and the community.

The Lakes DHB said the methadone treatment programme was "an efficient and effective service offering a high standard of treatment", covering the whole DHB area including Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino.

Rotorua pharmacist Ian Edward, who dispenses the medication at his Hinemoa Street pharmacy, said most residents undergoing methadone treatment visited the pharmacy daily for their dose, taken under supervision.

"The whole motive around the programme is about safety - it's about safety for the client, it's about safety for public and it's about safety for us."

Three years ago, Mr Edward and one of his staff were attacked by two masked men armed with a gun and knife seeking methadone.

The pharmacist, who was about to leave for the day, wrestled the gunman to the ground. Both men were caught and Mr Edward was hailed a hero following the incident.

Several high-profile court cases involving methadone have recently hit headlines.

In April, Claudine Michelle Herewini, 42, was charged with manslaughter by administering methadone after her 9-year-old son Antony Christensen died from an alleged overdose.

Herewini, whose son was found dead in his bed at Raetihi, will reappear in court later this month.

Two weeks earlier, Wanganui man Matthew Shane Johns, 36, whose girlfriend died after he helped her shoot up methadone, was sentenced to two years and seven months' jail for manslaughter. Both Johns and his girlfriend Sanchia Wilson were experienced methadone users.

Clive Kenneth Beach, 58 - a registered methadone user - was sentenced to 10 months' home detention in relation to her death after admitting three counts of supplying the Class B drug.

In Rotorua, a coroner's findings on Francisco Javier de Laratea Soler, who died at the Whakatane police station in 2008, ruled the 42-year-old had overdosed on methadone.

The father-of-two was picked up heavily intoxicated after earlier being involved in two disputes. A post-mortem found fatal levels of methadone in his system, combined with alcohol, cannabis and Zoplicone.

The Health Ministry warns that ceasing use of opioid drugs is not the general goal of opioid substitution treatment.

"For some it will be appropriate to attempt a supervised reduction and withdrawal of opioid drugs," Director of Mental Health chief adviser Dr John Crawshaw said.

"Others may receive opioid substitution treatment for the rest of their lives, with medical supervision and advice... at a level which allows them to function normally."

A Christchurch study estimated $131,000 was saved each year in "societal costs" when an opioid addict received treatment through a programme.

Patients enrolled in Lakes DHB Opioid Substitution Treatment services

2012 - 84

2011 - 80

2010 - 77

2009 - 74

Source: Ministry of Health