Source: Survey of German Language Press 
Pubdate: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 
Courtesy: Harald Lerch  
Translator: Pat Dolan NEWS IN BRIEF

2,400 DEPENDENTS ENROLLED IN BAVARIAN STATE PROGRAM

Frankfurt. Methadone is a synthetic opiate originally used as a morphine
substitute to treat pain. It can be used as a heroin substitute, since it
reduces both the euphoric effect and the hunger for the drug. Since 1989,
it has been supplied on prescription to drug addicts in Frankfurt. Usually
administered in a fruit drink, it is supplied to those who are either
pregnant or very ill with AIDS or hepatitis. Apart from the six methadone
ambulances, around 20 doctors are permitted to prescribe it. Payment is
decided on a case by case basis by the treasurer of the state medical
association. Roughly half receive it free, the rest pay for it themselves.
(Frankfurter Neue Presse 1999)

…………….

NEW 11,000 DM ALCOHOL TEST INSTRUMENT A FLOP?

Writing in the 'Kolner Express' (http://express.de/koeln), Christoph
Mulitze reports on the questions now being raised about the practicability
of the new blood-alcohol test equipment. 

Federal introduction of the big-budget test equipment (each costs 11,000
DM) was to obviate the necessity for blood tests. The Duesseldorf police
received training in its use. From April, all police posts manned round the
clock were to be equipped with one of the new '7110's. 

Experts are now calling their practicability into question. According to
Dr. Rolf Iffland, "Tests show a difference of .01% in 80 per cent of the
cases, and up to .04% in 8 per cent when compared with the greater
reliability of blood tests." Professor Dr. Wolfgang Bonte said it’s
probably the best there is world wide’: "At all events, it measures not the
blood-alcohol level, but the level of alcohol in the breath. That has no
legal standing."

………….

The Swiss 'Tages Anzeiger' (http://www.tages-anzeiger.ch) reports on the
‘surprising announcement’, by Canada’s health minister Alan Rock, of the
decision to test the medicinal properties of marihuana.

…………

The ‘Frankfurter Neue Presse’ (http://www.rhein-main.ne) reports on the
methadone dealing around the main railway station. Under the caption "No
take-home heroin," the writer comments: "It would be complete nonsense to
question the distribution of methadone simply because one or two blacksheep
keep something back from their daily ration and hock it at the station. It
would be something entirely different if they were to do the same thing
with a seven day take-home supply of heroin: that must absolutely not be
allowed to happen. 
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