Lifestyles
AROUND THE TOWN: Methadone clinic may come to Monterey
I was talking with my friend Steve Stone on the phone earlier this week about the possibility of a methadone clinic being located in nearby Monterey. Steve has done a lot of research on the proposed clinic and is very knowledgeable about the drug that is used to treat heroin addicts.
"Jan," Steve said, "we have to get word out about this clinic so that locals know what may be coming into their community."
I suggested he compose an article for me this week based on research surrounding the proposed methadone clinic since he has more information than I do about it.
The following was written by Stone, a partner at TAP Publishing here in Crossville and a large supporter of nonprofit organizations in the community, including the TAD Center.
By Steve Stone
One might think that is good news for our area that a new clinic could be opening next year just about 20 miles west of Crossville on Hwy. 70. To the contrary, this is not good news. It's an extremely serious development that carries life and death consequences.
Methadone is a drug that was legalized to replace heroin and other opiates. The key word here is "replace," not arrest or cure. Drug replacement therapy supposes that it is better to replace a legally prescribed drug with one that is not legally obtained. In the brains of addicts, methadone prevents heroin or morphine from interacting with receptors for natural painkillers called endorphins, blocking the effects of the addictive drugs and reducing the physical cravings. In controlled doses, it creates its own effects of euphoria and drowsiness, but lasts much longer. Methadone is one of the most physically dependant medications invented in the 20th century. And, like methamphetamine, it is also a Nazi invention.
Since this therapy began in the 1960s, methadone has spread worldwide. Today, in our area, one of the closest clinics is in Rossville, GA, just south of Chattanooga. Private Clinic North is applying to locate a new, for profit, facility in Monterey to treat up to 650 addicts a day. Addicts must go to the clinic every day for 90 days before they are given a 30-day take home supply. Abuse and street use of methadone is exploding and young people are dying.
The number two cause of death today from accidental drug overdose is methadone. That is behind only cocaine. Methadone is an extremely dangerous drug and in the wrong hands, it kills all too often. Sheriff Burgess told me last week about two brothers and a cousin from Cumberland County that died from methadone overdose last year. According to the CDC, the methadone rate in Tennessee went from 12 in 1999 to 134 in 2005.
Addicts who begin methadone replacement therapy rarely ever stop to experience living a drug-free life. It is inconvenient for an addict to drive 90 miles to the nearest clinic. Putting a clinic just down the road is going to make it easy for addicts to continue using drugs and not learn how to live drug-free.
We are very fortunate to have a strong recovery influence in our community. Making this all too often deadly drug easy to obtain will surely kill people. Methadone is a terrible failure and is spreading like fire across our country. We can stop this clinic from locating here. There will be a public hearing in Nashville Oct. 22 and hopefully one in Monterey approximately two weeks prior. Please contact your local and state representatives and say no to this for profit venture. If you know someone in Putnam County, contact them and ask them to say no to methadone. Private Clinic must obtain a certificate of need before they can begin dispensing methadone. Contact the Tennessee Department of Health Services and Development at 500 Deadrick St., Ste. 850, Nashville, TN 37243, or e-mail melanie.hill@state.tn.us.
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The University of Tennessee Vols will host their first home game of the 2008 season Saturday when the University of Alabama at Birmingham visits Neyland Stadium. This after a disappointing overtime loss on the west coast Labor Day when the Vols fell to the University of California at Los Angeles.
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Competition grillers go whole hog
A group of barbecue cookers from Rosemark, TN, walked away with the grand champion prize in the first Crossville Wheels ‘n Squeals competitive barbecue event Saturday.
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AROUND THE TOWN: So much to do, so much to see during August
The month of August starts on Sunday and that always means… lots of activities. Cumberland County basically goes into overdrive with the 127 Corridor Sale, back to school and the annual Cumberland County Fair.
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Take a trip to the charming Hebbertsburg community
On Saturday, August 7, the Sounds of Country group will entertain at the Hebbertsburg Community Center and don't eat before coming, because you'll be able to get a delicious home-cooked spaghetti dinner with bread and a beverage, for only $5.
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127 SENIORS: Center gearing up for 127 yard sale
The center's big fundraiser for the year is the 127 yard sale and help is needed to get the items displayed for the sale.
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Meeting set for Korean War Vets Association
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Fair Park helping seniors maintain healthy lifestyles
The focus at Fair Park this year is health and fitness! According to the American Heart Association, regular, moderate exercise enables seniors to enjoy and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Find more than just mail at the post office in PH
What makes Pleasant Hill in Cumberland County different than the five other Pleasant Hills in the state of Tennessee? We have a zip code (38578) and a post office. We are also the only Pleasant Hill incorporated, which happened in 1903.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Japanese beetles can cause major damage to gardens this time of year
The Japanese beetle population typically fluctuates somewhat from year to year. Members attending the July Cumberland County Master Gardener meeting were asked whether the number of Japanese beetles sighted around Crossville in 2010 was more or less than seen last year. Those attending thought there were fewer this year.
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Have ‘shrimp your way’ this Saturday
On July 31 the Elks Lodge will be featuring their famous "24 shrimp your way" dinner. The choices are scampi, fried or cocktail, any combination you like.
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The Wright Call
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