Pubdate: Sat, 30 Mar 2002
Source: New Scientist (UK)
Page: 15
Copyright: New Scientist, RBI Limited 2002
Contact:  http://www.newscientist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/294
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

HEROIN HANDOUT

The Dutch government is to start giving heroin to addicts. The 
controversial move follows a three-year study of 549 addicts by the Central 
Committee on the Treatment of Heroin Addicts. They found that patients on a 
combination of methadone and heroin were less likely to die, committed less 
crime, used less cocaine and were in better physical, social and mental 
shape than those given methadone alone (see "Fixed up", p 34). They hope 
that the move will help the country's 8000 or so heroin addicts who've 
failed to kick their habit on a methadone programme.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager