Live in Vancouver, Love Heroin? Sign up for a free year of it

[LynneSin]

Not kidding!

http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_naomi-heroin20050524&ref=rss

ree heroin program still looking for addicts
Last updated May 24 2005 08:56 AM PDT
CBC News
VANCOUVER – A new program that would supply free heroin for hardcore addicts in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is having trouble recruiting addicts. The North American Opiate Medications Initiative (NAOMI) project is being piloted in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto – at a total cost of $8 million.

In Vancouver, officials are looking for 157 participants by November. They've received about 300 phone calls of inquiry, but NAOMI's lead investigator Dr. Martin Schecter says only 21 people have been found who fit the requirements. "We're just finding out that the criteria are very restrictive, and we're going to have to work harder to overcome that." Addicts must have been on heroin for at least five years, must have tried methadone twice without success – and must be older than 25. Also, the addict cannot currently be on methodone – and cannot have a criminal record.

Those selected will be given free heroin or an unrestricted amount of methadone for a year in a controlled clinical setting. Organizers hope that by giving the heroin away, they'll reduce overdoses and HIV infections. They say the free drugs mean the addicts won't need to turn to crime to pay for the drugs – and will be able to concentrate on counselling to help kick the habit. Vancouver would be the first Canadian city to start the trial program.

[GOPisEvil]

1. Not even free heroin would get me to go into that neighborhood.

:scared:

[LynneSin]

2. You do realize you live in Austin

:shrug:

[GOPisEvil]

4. Yeah, but I've been to Vancouver.

It's a lovely place, but that particular area is, um, not nice to say the least.

[KingOfLostSouls]

3. WE'VE BEEN DANCING WITH MR BROWNSTONEEEEEE!!!

[keopeli]

5. This controversial program is ground breaking and important

It's not FREE HEROINE

"...only 21 people have been found who fit the requirements."

It's a way to get addicts OFF of heroine. The approach is to address the quality of life issue first, and the drug addiction problem second.

If embraced, I believe it will prove effective.

It is the need to sustain the habit that drives addicts to crime.

If you remove the need, you may be able to address the real problem which is psychological.

Canada should be applauded for innovation and compassion toward the problem of heroine addiction.

[LynzM]

6. Agreed, BUT

Look at the restrictions being put on it- you can't have a criminal record, you must have tried meth. to quit twice... why not open it up a little bit more and then pare it down as needed to fit the size of the available program?

But, I heartily agree with your post. Addictions must be dealt with on a level deeper than the physical addiction, if you want to really get past it and deal with all of the aspects.

[Swede]

7. If it works imagine the crime reduction.

Addiction and all the crime associated with it would all be greatly reduced.

[ret5hd]

9. a five year addict without a criminal record? GOOD LUCK!

[Senior citizen]

8. Kicked methadone TWICE?

Well, sure they're having problems finding people willing to go through that a third time. Sheesh!