Pubdate: Mon, 21 Sep 1998 Date: 09/21/1998 Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) Author: Hugh Robertson Note: Hugh Robertson is known on the internet as "Shug" The problems associated with heroin addiction can be greatly reduced. The results of trials in Switzerland showed that it is feasible to provide heroin by intravenous injection at a clinic, up to three times a day, seven days a week. This was done while maintaining good drug control, good order, client safety and staff morale. Conditions such as depression, malnourishment and anemia decreased during the study period. Simultaneously, social conditions were much improved: By the end of 1996, unemployment among the group in question had dropped from 44 percent to 20 percent, and full-time employment had risen from 14 percent to 33 percent. Six months into the study, homelessness in the group had ceased to be an issue. Hugh Robertson Perth, Scotland