SWISS HEROIN PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM A FLOP

 

A heroin prescription program for cronic addicts in Switzerland between 1994 and 2000 is a massive failure.

 

The program maintained the addicts on prescription heroin.

 

Of the 2166 addicts that used the program almost half (1031 addicts) left for the following reasons –

224 joined abstinance (drug free) programs

379 joined a methodone program so as to maintain drug use

28 sought other treatment

30 died

87 left for involvement in violence and trafficking

34 imprisonment

41 health reasons

154 walked out

54 other reasons

 

The Swiss government claims that prescription heroin is “treatment”.

 

The Swiss government keeps its most vunerable citizens addicted rather than helping them to get drug free.

 

52% of the cronic addicts that remained in the program are maintained in their heroin addiction with the consequent harmful health effects.

 

Of the 48% of those that left the program most are still addicted.

 

(Source: The Lancet 27/10/01)

 

MOST ADDICTS IN THE SWISS PROGRAM NEVER GOT DRUG FREE

 

We support-

More detoxification & rehabilitation programs that get addicts drug free.

Court ordered detoxification & rehabilitation programs.

Less addicts

Less drug pushers and drug related crimes.

 

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Inc.

HEROIN FACT SHEET 18