Health Officials Praise New Drug to Deal With Drug Abuse

State officials say a new drug could make a big difference for drug addicts trying to kick the habit. Department of Mental Health Spokesman Lois Thomas says the new drug – buprenorphine – has an advantage over methadone. Methadone is administered in special clinics. Thomas says buprenorphine can be prescribed by a doctor, eliminating the need to travel to a clinic for treatment. Thomas says the drug is new and doctors need to become aware about it and how it must be administered. The Mental Health Department and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment will hold a community forum Friday at the St. Louis University School of Nursing.