Second Washington County methadone clinic opens in city
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter John Moschetta III and clinic staff talk to members of an anti-heroin group. Echo Treatment Center, a new methadone clinic, will serve a need in the county, said Moschetta, a former probation officer who left his position to open the facility.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Echo Treatment Center, a new methadone clinic, has opened in Washington. Clients receive a cup of juice mixed with a dissolved methadone tablet.
John Moschetta is aware of the negative connotations associated with methadone clinics, but the former probation officer stands behind medically assisted drug treatment programs.
“The abstinence model doesn’t work for (addiction),” he said.
Moschetta, who retired from his position with Washington County after more than 20 years, said the alarming increase in heroin overdoses made him “want to break out and still find a way to help people.”
“If there was a serial killer down here killing people at the rate that heroin is, we’d have the National Guard down here,” he said.
Before opening Echo Treatment Center, 50 E. Wylie Ave., he researched treatment options and chose methadone, a controlled substance that can soothe narcotic cravings and calm withdrawals without giving users heroin’s high.
A woman touring the facility Friday voiced concerns Moschetta has heard before.
“How are heroin and crack different than methadone? I believe it’s substituting one opiate for another,” she told Moschetta, who didn’t disagree.
“Methadone is nothing more than an opiate replacing an opiate that gets you high,” he said.
The difference, he told her, is replacing the illegal habit of buying and using heroin with the habit of coming to a treatment center daily to receive legal medication and supervision.
“It’s a victory to just have them show up every day and get into the routine,” Moschetta said.
The medication, combined with medical treatment and counseling sessions, are part of the center’s holistic approach to tackling the heroin epidemic. Moschetta said staff will provide a continuum of care through the recovery process, including help securing primary care doctors, psychologists and even jobs.
“It’s not just dosing and walking away from the window,” said Michelle Tarnik, head nurse. “We’re providing well-rounded care.”
Patients are seen by the staff of six, including two nurses, two counselors and medical director Dr. Joshua Goodrum. They are given complete medical physicals, including a psychosocial screening. In order to receive treatment, patients must be addicted to opiates and suffering the symptoms of withdrawal. They must meet with a counselor for at least 2 ½ hours a month.
Nurses administer the medication on site seven days a week. A patient can take the medication home only after having stuck with the program for an extended period of time and demonstrating a secure home environment.
“Methadone is just a tool in the total package of counseling and behavioral support. We’re trying to stop them from taking heroin and stop committing crimes as quickly as possible,” Moschetta said. “A lot of these people need their complete lives worked on. A lot of times (addiction) is a symptom of other things going on.”
Staff members said a welcoming and personal experience at the clinic empowers those who come for treatment.
“There is a family atmosphere (here). Everybody in this room took a pay cut to come (work) here because we want to make a difference,” he said. “(Patients) have to know this is their second home. That feeling of confidence will empower them more than anything else.”
The only other methadone clinic in Washington County is in Houston. While he works on securing Medicaid approval, Moschetta is now limited to patients who can pay out of pocket.
Michael “M.J.” Markley, a native of the city’s Seventh Ward and founder of the group The Fight Against Heroin, said he supports such facilities.
“We really believe awareness is key,” Markley said. “The more people know, the better to fight this epidemic.”
Even though Moschetta opened the doors March 7, he already hopes for a future in which the need for his services disappear.
“I would love to shut this place down one day,” he said.
For information, call 724-222-6220 or email johnmoscetta@echotreatment.com.