Chemist

missile

I parked near to my local chemist yesterday. As I approached two late model hot hatches screched to a halt illegaly parked. A young lad got out of each, they appeared to be friends and both collected their prescriptions from the "special counter".
It would be unfair to assume all methodone users are on benefit.

Can anyone explain>
1) How youngsters on dope can afford expensive cars?
2) Why should dope heads be given priority and a special counter to service their habit?

mattyprice4004

I had a relatively expensive car (to run anyway) and could have found a few quid a month for dope too.

Luckily I don't like that kind of stuff

James_Lahey

As an ex-heroin (and later methadone) user, I was initially surprised to see the diversity of other users - from easily spotted "smack-heads" to suited professionals. Fortunately I never turned into the former - once my habit had outgrown the means of funding it, I took steps to give up (not a lot of fun tbh.)

pickpocketlocket

1) Why did you not ask them? I have no idea of their personal circumstances.
2) Why did you not ask the chemist? Not all chemists do this, so they obviously took the decision to do so.

bargainbetty

1. Because the methadone would indicate that they are in recovery or withdrawal programmes, meaning they may be perfectly able to hold down jobs now. Several methadone programmes have demonstrated that managing the addiction to allow functioning addicts to return to work is just as effective in the long-term as full 'cold-turkey' rehab.

2. Perhaps they go to a different desk so that people can't make comments. There might also be an element of counselling provided by the dispensing pharmacist?

I'm not a fan of drugs. I don't like them, and I don't take them. However, having dealt with a couple of addicts over the years, I'd be more inclined to smile encouragingly than roll my eyes at them for obtaining treatment.

For reference, I also know a methadone user who is not an addict, but has chronic pancreatitis. The damage he has suffered to his internal organs over the years through attacks have left him struggling to hold down tablet medications and his pain levels are constant and high. He is given methadone as it is less harsh on his digestive tract and provides slower release pain control than morphine or other strong opiates.He gets a lot of odd looks at the chemist, so has taken to shuffling away from the desk, mumbling 'Gots to have ma fix' to wind them up, before straightening up and politely saying Good Morning.