Opiate Addiction: Methadone Facts

Question: Wsib appeal, opiate addictions?

(Posted by: Ryan V on 2007-03-17 21:30:22)

I am interested in anybody who knows anything about opiate addictions and any info on past wsib appeals that involve methadone treatment. Does an opiate addiction fall under a illness categorie if it is a direct result of the workplace injury.

Posted by: Lissa on 2007-03-17, 23:04:17

Opiate as well as narcoti addictions, if severe enough are treated by methdone, however, i is a very powerful drug and has many very often lethal interactions with other drugs...I would defintely seek treatment b/ c the toxic effects of the opiate are very much more damaging and can sometimes lead to irreversible damage to your neurological health...as for liability ...the work place accident would have to be responsible for the harm and only the harm that directly caused the addiction...a very good and astute lawyer could get your treatment and damages recovered for you. Hope this gives you hope! God Bless!

Posted by: Frederieka F on 2007-03-17, 23:48:07

You could most likely get a detox program covered through the WSIB, but it is very unlikely that you could get methadone maintenance covered. The main reason is that, while physical dependence upon opioid medications is possible as a direct result of a workplace injury, ADDICTION is never a direct result of a workplace injury. Physical dependence that necessitates medical detox is a natural consequence of being treated with such medications over any length of time, but addiction is not. Without knowing the particular state you reside in, I cannot cite any case law for you since the Workers' Comp boards vary by state.