Kwale gets a methadone center for heroin addicts

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya with Sylvie Bertrand of UNODC during the opening of the centre. [Tobias Chanji, Standard]

Kwale is the third county after Kilifi and Mombasa to open a methadone centre to cater for almost 4,500 heroin addicts.

Methadone is a medication that reduces withdrawal syndrome by acting as a pain reliever and, reportedly, lowers addicts' craving for narcotics.

Its introduction in Coast has been controversial and critics claim its administration amounts to promoting drug use.

The centre, which was opened by Governor Salim Mvurya at Kombani yesterday, will offer services to 700 addicts.

Former addicts and current drug users recounted challenges that one goes through while using heroin and lauded the centre as one that will address most of their problems.

Said Ngome, who abandoned narcotics after abusing them for about 22 years, said he lost both his job and wife.

Mr Ngome revealed that he spent about eight years on the streets of Mombasa.

Peoples’ luggage

“I left my wife because of heroine. I also served in jail for 22 months for burglary and stealing," said Mr Ngome.

"I used to carry peoples’ luggage at the ferry crossing but I had to quit because of the pain,” added Ngome.

Ahmed Said, another recovering addict, quit heroin 10 years ago and just like Ngome, works as a peer educator.