Journal-News.com

OXFORD — The methadone overdose death of Miami University student Clifton Alexander is part of an alarming increase of deaths attributed to the drug that has been used widely since the 1960s for the treatment of heroin addicts.

A report released recently by the Justice Department's National Intelligence Drug Center found methadone-related deaths have increased nearly 400 percent from 786 deaths in 1999 to 3,849 deaths in 2004.

In comparison, the number of cocaine-related deaths over the same period increased 43 percent from 3,822 to 5,461.

"While methadone is a safe and effective drug when prescribed and used correctly, nonfatal overdose of death is likely to occur when it is misused or abused-particularly in combination with other prescription drugs, alcohol or illicit drugs," the study reported.

Butler County Coroner Dr. Richard Burkhardt ruled this week that Alexander, who was found dead in his room at the Sigma Nu fraternity house, died of a drug overdose of methadone. He said Alexander also had a mild tranquilizer and medication prescribed for migraine headaches in his body at the time of his death.

Burkhardt said Alexander did not have a prescription for methadone or the tranquilizer.

Over the past decade, prescribing of methadone for pain management has increased by doctors seeking a less expensive alternative to OxyContin and Vicodin.

Butler County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer said officers have not seen a large amount of methadone abuse on the street. He said detectives did make some undercover buys of methadone, referred to on the street as "wafers," a couple years ago.

While methadone abuse is not new to Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper, he said he was "shocked" when he learned of Alexander's overdose.

"I've never seen or heard about methadone in Oxford," said Piper, a Miami graduate. He said he has talked to Oxford police officials, who will be talking with Alexander's friends after winter break in attempt to determine where he got the drug.

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