A
controversial study set to begin next year in Canada would involve
giving individuals addicted to heroin a free supply of the drug
for one year, the Toronto Star reported Oct. 22.
The purpose of the study is to determine whether providing addicted individuals
with the drug improves their health and reduces crime.
"It's a very, very complex endeavor," said Dr. Martin Schechter of the University
of British Columbia, the study's principal investigator. "There were a number
of approvals we had to obtain and are still in the process of obtaining. But
it's important to realize the drug is going only to people already addicted to
heroin."
He added, "These are people buying the drug on the black market, sharing dirty
needles, and spending most of their time in criminal activity like robbery and
prostitution in order to pay for their habit. If we can break this cycle of criminal
activity, hopefully we can stabilize their lives and get them the counseling
they desperately need."
Under the study, 210 individuals addicted to heroin would receive injections
of the drug three times a day at an office of the Center for Addiction and Mental
Health. In addition, they will receive counseling from doctors, nurses, and social
workers.
After the first year, participants would be weaned off the drug and offered the
choice of methadone or withdrawal counseling for another year.
The $8-million study, which will take place in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal,
is being funded by the Canadian government.
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