Pubdate: Tue, 07 May 2002 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 2002 The New York Times Company Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298 Section: World Briefing: Europe Author: Victor Homola Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?131 (Heroin Maintenance) GERMANY: DRUG DEATHS DECLINE The introduction of state-run rooms where addicts can use drugs helped cut the number of drug-related deaths in 2001 by 9.6 percent from the previous year, a Health Ministry report said. The decline, to 1,835 deaths, was the first in four years. There are about 20 drug consumption rooms in Germany, run by state authorities. In March, seven cities began "heroin-supported therapy" in which addicts get heroin under medical supervision. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh