Binky
05-25-2005, 08:00 PM
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.
LINK: Background on NAOMI program
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.
FROM OCT. 16, 2003: Heroin clinic provokes debate
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.
http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_naomi-heroin20050524
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.
LINK: Background on NAOMI program
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.
FROM OCT. 16, 2003: Heroin clinic provokes debate
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.
http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_naomi-heroin20050524