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Heroin-Based Treatment

NCJ Number
200779
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 523-542
Author(s)
Ingo Ilja Michels
Date Published
2002
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article describes the debate over prescribing medicinal narcotics in Germany.
Abstract
Ten years of controversial discussions concerning the potential usefulness of prescribing heroin for medicinal purposes ended with the newly elected government declaring its support for such programming in 1999. This article questions whether embracing heroin treatment as a component of a coherent drug policy will negatively impact the overall message of drug prevention. Noting the effectiveness of prescribing heroin medically in Switzerland and in the Netherlands, the author suggests that criticisms against the medical use of heroin are similar to those raised against using methadone treatment programs in order to combat drug addiction. Taboos against prescribing heroin for medical purposes are likely to be lifted once this practice is in place, and the anticipated social work practices likely associated with the prescription of heroin would be similar to the psychological and social assistance prescribed in other drug substitution treatment programs. Briefly detailing the proposed heroin project model in terms of scientific questions and research design, this article suggests that the medical use of heroin can reduce health and social problems while improving the quality of life for heroin using patients. References