Pubdate: Thu, 30 Oct 2003
Source: Newspaper, The (CN ON Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Newspaper
Contact:  http://thenewspaper.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3137
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?131 (Heroin Maintenance)

EDITORIAL -- WHO WANTS HEROIN?

The Government of Canada has approved an $8 million grant that will offer 
addicts free heroin injections three times per day. This will continue for 
one year, after which addicts will receive methadone.

The study will examine whether this reduces crime and improves the health 
of addicts. The Government of Canada hasn't given us any money, but we 
would wager that after a year of taking heroin, it's unlikely an addict 
won't be a little bit worse for wear.

The real problem with drugs is crime. Addiction fuels theft and places 
people at the dead ends that can lead to homelessness, poverty, and 
prostitution. People need money to fund their habit.

Some think this is a ridiculous study-it is after all the first of its kind 
in North America. We're not ready to dismiss it yet. If it means that there 
could be less crime, this pilot project may just have merit.

And the newspaper will have ample opportunity to watch how things go. In 
Toronto, it seems, the only heroin distribution point will be at the Centre 
for Addiction and Mental Health, just across the street from our office.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom