[admin]

Paddy

It seems you had a bad experience. Not all addicts are of the nature of the individual you witnessed. Most are in fact no problem to the pharmacy staff, and many are very nice people. I once had a problem aggressive customer, and one of my regular methadone clients waited, like you did, to see that I was safe.

On the subject of troublesome methadone clients, most pharmacies make them sign an agreement which has amongst other things, a code of conduct in it. This is usually agreed with the local GP practice, and often the local drug clinics etc. The GP's usually make them sign a similiar agreement which often has conduct in the pharmacy, as well as in the surgery, terms within it.

You must also remember that pharmacies, surgeries etc are businesses, and as such have to create revenue. In some parts of the UK pharmacists are paid a fee to witness people taking their methadone. This ensures they drink it on site, and stops the illegal sale of it to possible vulnerable people. If you have never taken methadone before, it doesn't take much to actually kill you!

If they become a persistent problem we will contact their GP and they will usually agree to cancel their prescription. This is a good example of how good communication between health care professionals can work to everyone's benefit.