Pubdate: Mon, 23 Jun 2008
Source: Shanghai Daily (China)
Copyright: 2008 nghai Daily Company
Contact:  http://www.shanghaidaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4249
Authors: Zou Qi, and Chen Qian
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ANTI-DRUG LAW FOCUSES ON TREATMENT

THE nation's new Anti-Drug Law focuses on treatment of  drug addicts 
rather than punishment and asks the  government to offer financial 
support, the director of  the only compulsory rehabilitation center 
in Shanghai  said.

Li Yu, director of the Shanghai Compulsory  Rehabilitation Center, 
which is affiliated to the  Shanghai Public Security Bureau, told 
Shanghai Daily  that the number of drug addicts it treats rises about 
5  percent every year.

He added that the center is now treating people  addicted to newer 
drugs such as ecstasy and crystal  methamphetamine hydrochloride, a 
powerful, synthetic  stimulant commonly known as ice.

The center's therapy, which is on Yingao Road, combines  Chinese 
traditional medicine such as acupuncture and  Western practices.

The new law took effect on June 1.

By the end of March, there were more than 34,000 drug  addicts in the 
city, Li said, adding that the number  will increase as police solve 
more cases and catch more  addicts.

Shanghai police had solved 24 cases each involving more  than 1 
kilogram of seized drugs in the first three  months this year. In 
those cases, police seized a total  of 90.89 kilograms of drugs. 
Heroin accounted for less  than 15 percent of the seized drugs while 
ice, ecstasy  and ketamine made up a much higher percentage.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom