This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
03/20/2024 08:00 AMI write to express my sadness at the negative reaction to the proposed methadone clinic. I have been a resident for 11 years, and in all that time, I have cherished the community that we live in. Not only are we surrounded by beauty, but the people are the greatest asset of the town.
I support the medical treatment facility being put into town, which will positively impact hundreds of lives a year.
I know this because I went through treatment over 30 years ago for opioid addiction, and it saved my life. Not only did it save my life, but it has allowed me to be an upstanding citizen, a trusted family member, a productive worker, and someone who gives back to my recovery community.
Instead of fear, why don’t we celebrate the fact that every one of the people slated to attend this medical facility will do so with a desire to turn their lives around, with the understanding that they cannot keep going on abusing opioids and are willing to turn their lives over to the medical care they will be receiving.
What better place to support and encourage these folks to accomplish the biggest miracle of their lives? How about we get together as a community and find out what we can do to help them accomplish their goals? How about we say, “Great, you are trying to turn your life around; let us help!”
Between the 50 or so recovery meetings in town and many recovery activities throughout the year, Guilford has always been very accepting of alcoholism and drug addiction. A methadone clinic is another method for those suffering from addiction to treat their disease.
It’s time for Guilford to say that we embrace those trying to turn their lives around.
Stephen Thomas
Guilford