Direction 180

red nurses for clients in order to attend to their health care needs. A common misconception with regards to methadone therapy is that clients obtain a 'high' from their dose. Patients maintained on methadone treatment are prescribed the proper dosage from a physician that will ensure they do not suffer from the ill effects of withdrawl symptoms; this dosage also ensures they will not obtain a 'high'. Clients maintained on methadone are able to function in their day to day lives and obtain employment, care for their families and engage in healthy relationships. The clients whom are served by Direction 180 truly value the service offered at the clinic and hope to spread this message to the community; Direction 180 within the community is a blessing and far from a curse. The following are some quotes obtained from clients through one-on-one interviews regarding their feelings towards the clinic;

When asked, how do you feel your life would differ if Direction 180 were not available to you?

'Direction 180 saved my life; before I came here, I was going nowhere fast. Now, my life has a purpose and I finally believe in myself'

'Direction 180 has completely changed my life and without it, I don't think I would be sitting here talking to you today'

'My life would be completely awful without Direction 180, I truthfully don't even want to imagine it'

When asked, How do you feel the community would differ if Direction 180 was not a part of it?

'Without Direction 180, I have no doubt in my mind the crime rate would increase, the number of drug dens would increase and the number of deaths would increase'

'I think if we were to lose the services offered here, the junkies would increase and the number of businesses would decrease. Actually, I know that would happen'

'I feel the entire community would decline. Direction 180 offers so much for so many people, we're all so happy to have it here'

What do you feel is the most misunderstood aspect of Direction 180 and its services?

'A lot of people think that methadone is just free drugs for us. It's not even close to that. It's hope, it allows us to live our lives, it allows us to change for the better'

'People want us to go but people often forget that addiction doesn't care who you are. It can strike anyone. So who is to say your own loved one won't ever need the services provided here at Direction 180? You never really know whose life will need saving'

'So many people think that the poeple who come to Direction 180 are horrible people. They glare at us in the streets. Nobody understands how much it would mean if somebody were even to say 'hello' if they saw a client on the street rather than the same cruel treatment most of us have been used to our entire lives'