Pubdate: Sun, 03 Sep 2006
Source: China Post, The (Taiwan)
Copyright: 2006 The China Post.
Contact:  http://www.chinapost.com.tw
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2840
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ALTERNATIVE METHOD LAUNCHED TO HELP ADDICTS KICK HABIT

The Tainan Prosecutor's Office has launched an experimental program 
to offer suspended indictments to drug addicts on condition of 
compulsory treatment, as part of efforts to reduce overall drug dependency.

Starting Sept. 1, the prosecutor's office will cooperate with the 
government-run Chianan Psychiatric Center in southern Tainan County 
in carrying out the experimental program as part of a nationwide drug 
hazard reduction campaign.

Those intending to join the program should not be HIV-carriers, 
addicted to heroin for more than a year or previous recipients of 
rehabilitation treatment.

Prospective participants must first report to the Tainan Prosecutor's 
Office to have their legal charges suspended. The Chianan Psychiatric 
Center will then offer them psychological therapy and alternative treatment.

Under the alternative treatment, addicts have to make a daily visit 
to the center to drink a dose of Methadone -- a substitute drug that 
reduces dependency on more lethal drugs such as heroin and reduces 
the risk of contracting diseases through hypodermic needle infections.

A dose of Methadone costs NT$70 at present, far cheaper than heroin, 
which costs more than NT$10,000 per small dose. After the country 
begins production of Methadone next year, the cost will be cut down to NT$20.

The Tainan Prosecutor's Office is the first local prosecution office 
to adopt the experimental program.

"We have raised millions of dollars to finance the program and will 
do our utmost to ensure its success and to encourage other 
prosecutor's offices around the country to follow suit," a chief 
prosecutor said, adding that the office has received many telephone 
inquiries about the initiative.

As drug addiction has become a main source of Taiwan's AIDS/HIV 
transmissions -- with two out of every three new HIV carriers being 
intravenous drug users -- the Cabinet-level Department of Health 
(DOH) has stepped up its drug-fighting efforts, including launching a 
nationwide needle exchange project July 1.

DOH officials said they will offer all necessary support and 
assistance to the Tainan Prosecutor's Office and the Chianan 
Psychiatric Center to facilitate the implementation of the experimental program.
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