Pubdate: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
Source: Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Copyright: 2001 News Limited
Contact:  http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/113
Author: Rachel Morris
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms)

ADDICTS FACE SEX QUIZ

Addicts using Australia's first legal heroin injecting room will be asked 
their sexual "identity" and whether they have been paid for sex in the 
month before they shoot up.They will also have to provide a full medical 
history and detail their alcohol use, according to a draft registration 
form obtained by The Daily Telegraph.

As part of the registration procedure at the Uniting Church-run centre, 
addicts will be required to reveal personal details including whether they 
have been in prison in the past 12 months.

They will also have to sign a declaration stating they will abide by a Code 
of Conduct while using the centre which is set to open within the next two 
weeks.

They will be asked their age, what kind of accommodation they live in and 
whether they are employed.

Women will have to say if they are - or suspect they are - pregnant; a 
"yes" to either question will bar them from using the room.

The form will be filled out under supervision and they will also have to 
come clean on HIV and any other communicable diseases.

They are not asked where they bought their drugs nor their full address.

Among other questions are when did they start using drugs and when and what 
was the last drug they injected.

They will be requested to reveal the places they injected last month 
including whether it was in their own homes, the street, a car, a public 
toilet or in a commercial "shooting gallery". They will also be asked if 
they shared needles, and if so where they disposed of them.

Attempts at detoxification and whether the user has been on methadone or 
naltrexone is also covered.

The questions are designed to get a picture of who uses the service and 
treatment options for each addict.

Information gathered will be used in the final evaluation of the trial, 
which is required by law.

Addicts only have to register once; after that they will be given a 
registration number and password which they will have to provide each visit.

Opposition Leader Kerry Chikarovski yesterday called on all operating and 
policing protocols concerning the clinic to be made public.

She also said the money spent on the 18-month trial would be better spent 
on rehabilitation.

"We want people to get off these drugs," she said.

The trial has been government policy since the 1999 NSW Drug Summit but has 
hit several hurdles including the forced withdrawal of the original 
operators, the Sisters of Charity, following intervention by the Vatican.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager