Pubdate: Wed, 07 Jun 2006
Source: Taipei Times, The (Taiwan)
Section: Page 2
Copyright: 2006 The Taipei Times
Contact:  http://www.taipeitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1553
Author: Flora Wang, Staff Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROMOTING PROGRAM TO HELP DRUG ADDICTS

Reducing Harm: The plan aims to help addicts through substitute drugs 
and rehabilitation and will be implemented nationwide on July 1

The Department of Health is expected to broaden the scope of its Harm 
Reduction Program for drug addicts starting on July 1, supported by 
the Cabinet's allocation of NT$81 million (US$2.5 million) from its 
second reserved budget.

The Harm Reduction Program will include a clean-needle project, 
expand HIV examination and offer substitute treatment for drug addicts.

Clean needles

According to a health department press release issued on Monday, it 
will offer clean needles to drug users under the supervision of local 
health offices around the country to prevent possible AIDS and 
hepatitis infection caused by sharing needles.

However, addicts who receive clean needles must undergo long-term 
drug rehabilitation counseling, it said.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), an active supporter of the 
project, had implemented the project on a trial basis between August 
and December last year.

With the Cabinet's approval of the budget, the CDC expects that the 
clean-needle project can be implemented nationwide soon.

Substitute

The CDC added that it would offer drug addicts Methadone, a synthetic 
opioid usually used in the treatment of drug addiction.

Taken orally, Methadone is said to be able to change an addict's 
dependence on certain drugs and reduce the risk of contracting 
diseases through injections.

The Department of Health said that the substitute treatment could 
serve as a public support system through which drug addicts can 
receive complete physical and psychological assistance.

Additionally, the department said it would establish a drug-free 
recovery environment for those who are willing to quit the habit.

"[They can] change their lifestyles and personality, learn how to 
cope with pressure, quit the habit and start a new life," the 
department's statement said.

International base

According to the department, the Harm Reduction Program is based on 
the AIDS prevention programs of the WHO and the UN.

Many countries such as Australia, the UK and the US have successfully 
enforced similar plans to reduce the harm caused by drugs to 
individuals, families and society.

Drug addicts will not have to run the risk of finding drugs illegally 
if they join the substitute treatment scheme, the CDC said.

Methadone is said to be most effective in treating addiction to drugs 
like heroin, and in reducing harm caused by sharing needles. Though 
some addiction cases were reported, with proper dosage control, it 
can help to decrease drug addicts' cravings.

Though used widely in many countries, methadone is only a substitute 
treatment, not a cure for drug addiction, the statement said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman