Recovering addicts feel like 2nd-class citizens in some pharmacies

Like many addicts, Ammario Reza became hooked on opiates as a result of a doctor’s prescription. Four years ago the Carleton student, now 26, was prescribed oxycontin for a kidney stone and a crushed molar.

“I wouldn't say I got addicted to it right away, it was more of a gradual thing, I thought it was a miracle drug at the time because it was great and it took the pain away, but then after a time I started to realize that I couldn’t really function or start my day without having it in my system,” said Reza.

Reza said that in time, fear of experiencing the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal came to dominate his life. It took him four years to seek treatment, and when he did, he was prescribed Suboxone.

Suboxone is a relatively new drug that is taken in pill form, unlike methadone. It works by blocking opiate receptors in the brain, preventing withdrawal.

For three weeks, Reza said things went well and he was receiving his Suboxone at a pharmacy in Hintonburg.

Addiction specialists worry that stigma will discourage people dependent on drugs from getting treatment.

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