Methadone

Methadone Intervention & Needle Exchange
Goals of Program
Participation
Program Criteria
Length of Participation

m.i.n.e. program (Methadone Intervention and Needle Exchange)

The m.i.n.e. program is a harm reduction program that provides methadone maintenance to individuals who are dependent on opiates. Harm reduction aims to reduce or eliminate the harmful consequences of drug use.

Components of the m.i.n.e. program include:

Counseling and support
Health Promotion
Disease prevention education, including a needle exchange
Assisting clients to link with other community based supports and services

Our team consists of two part time doctors, four nurses, and a rehabilitation counsellor

Goals of the m.i.n.e. program

To reduce the harmful use of opiates, thus improving the health of users
To provide a doorway through which clients can access other services, including health care services, rehabilitation programs and housing programs.
To reduce the spread of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C.
To reduce the crime rate associated with opiate use.
To improve the social functioning of those accessing the program. This includes employment status and the quality of personal relationships.

For more information or to get involved with the m.i.n.e. program call and speak with a nurse

In Winnipeg: (204)-944-6200

In Brandon: (204) - 729-3838 (toll free at 1-866-767-3838)

Participation

Participation in the m.i.n.e. program is voluntary, and clients must be over the age of 18 to be involved.

Referral can come from the individual or any agency or professional, but it is expected that the individual will all themselves to speak with a nurse and book the initial assessment appointment.

An appointment for an assessment with a nurse will made based on preliminary data obtained by telephone. At the initial appointment with the nurse, a complete psycho-social assessment is done.

Once suitability has been established, the client will be given an appointment to see the m.i.n.e. program physician.

The client signs a contract that he or she will abide by the rules of the program, with particular reference to behaviour on the premises, and drug monitoring.

Winnipeg Location:
7-25 Sherbrook Street (across from Misericordia Hospital)
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2B1

Brandon Location:
510 Frederick Street
Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Z4

M.i.n.e. Program Criteria

Individuals who are opiate dependent are eligible for the program.

Opiate drugs include the following:

Morphine
Heroin
Oxycontin
Percocet
Percodan
Dilaudid
Demerol
Codeine
Fentanyl

The diagnosis of opiate dependence will be based on some or all of the following:

History of opiate use
Use of opiates to prevent withdrawal
Continued use of opiates despite recurrent problems
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce use
Priority of opiate use over other important life activities
One urine drug screen positive of opiates

Previous unsuccessful attempts on methadone treatment will not exclude a client from this program.

Exclusion Criteria

Clients with psychiatric disorders which would preclude compliance with the regulations of the program
Clients with the history of problematic behaviours such as episodes of violence directed toward other clients or staff members. Violence towards other clients "off premise" may not exclude from program.
Clients that have any medical condition that would affect informed choice or self care.
Clients must be over the age of 18.

Length of participation

The length of time an individual stays on Methadone varies as the program is tailored to his/her needs.

It is recommended that people remain on Methadone for a minimum of six months. There is no maximum.

Most people who are successful in coming off Methadone show the following characteristics:

Their lives have been stabilized after being on Methadone for more than a year. This includes increased coping skills, better relationships, improved finances, and physical health.

They have made changes in their lives that promote continues stability without Methadone. This may include supports in the non-drug using community (AA, counselors, etc), increased stability within the family, and fewer legal difficulties.

The decision to stop Methadone is made together with their nurse/physician. With the support of m.i.n.e. program staff, they are prepared for, and know what to expect from, the tapering process off Methadone.