A Moncton, N.B., methadone treatment clinic is shutting its doors because of a shortage of doctors specializing in addictions treatment, which means its 376 patients will have to find treatment elsewhere.
The Cameron Street Clinic has been providing treatment for those dealing with opioid use disorder since 2008.
Patients come to the clinic for medications, including methadone and Sublocade, which help manage withdrawal symptoms for opioids such as fentanyl.
But Dr. Christopher Levesque, the clinic’s physician, says the clinic will have to close its doors in the new year.
“On Dec. 14 of this year, I turn 74. So a decision had to be made. I had to look at my longevity and when my best before date is,” he said.
“My contract is up at the end of May (2025), which puts a heavy strain on the clinic without anyone to take on the clinical care.”
While the treatment is paid for by Medicare, the clinic is owned by Ontario-based company Canadian Addition Treatment Centres.
Levesque says the company has tried everything within its power to find a replacement physician, and he’s asked all levels of government for help.
He adds that part of the recruitment challenge is that many physicians are hesitant to work with those with substance use disorder, thinking they may be difficult patients.
“They are people whose lives have taken a different turn than most of us, but they’re just human beings and when you get to know them for the most part they’re just decent human beings who have struggled,” he said.
“But they are complex and require complex care.”
In a statement, Canadian Addition Treatment Centres told Global News it took over ownership of the clinic five years ago “with the sole purpose of providing lifesaving harm reduction and treatment services for people in the community grappling with opioid use disorder.”
“Unfortunately, a severe shortage of specialized addictions medicine physicians in the province has made it impossible to sustain operations at Cameron Street, and to continue providing the high level of integrated care our patients have come to expect and deserve,” the statement went on to read.
The company says it is currently working with community partners to help its current patients find care.
“We commit to continuing our collaboration with local community care providers, Health Authorities and the Government of New Brunswick to create accessible pathways to treatment for substance use disorder, and hope to be able to support this community in the future,” the statement read.