Pubdate: Tue, 12 Sep 2006
Source: Shanghai Daily (China)
Copyright: 2006 nghai Daily Company
Contact:  http://www.shanghaidaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4249
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

30 DRUG TREATMENT CLINICS TO OPEN

PUBLIC health authorities in south China's Guangdong Province said
they will open 30 more methadone replacement clinics over the next few
months.

Huang Fei, deputy director of Guangdong Provincial Health Bureau, said
procedures for construction of 27 of the planned new methadone clinics
had been assessed by a provincial-level expert panel and are now
awaiting approval by the State.

The new methadone clinics will be built in at least 16 cities,
including three in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, according to the
official.

Guangdong currently has two methadone clinics. They started offering
replacement doses last January and have so far treated 155 drug addicts.

"Methadone therapy has won acclaim and support from people of all
walks of life, especially family members of drug addicts," said Huang.
So far, 101 methadone clinics have been set up across China and the
number will increase to 305 by the end of the year.

Methadone is used internationally as a substitution drug to help
addicts kick their addiction.

In China's methadone clinics, a cup of methadone drink costs 10
yuan.

The Ministry of Public Security said those who persist in using drugs
will be sent to institutions for compulsory drug abstinence.
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