NCJ Number
153656
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 69-88
Date Published
1994
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The initial results of a program in Switzerland involving the medical prescription of opiate drugs indicate that the prescription of narcotics, especially diamorphine, could be an effective means of improving the health and living conditions, at least temporarily, of heavily addicted persons for whom other treatment efforts have failed.
Abstract
The program was developed due to significant increases in problems associated with the use of illegal drugs, particularly in heavily addicted intravenous drug users. It reflected the Swiss drug policy of repression, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. The Swiss law on narcotics provides the legal basis for the program, which involved a multicenter research trial. The research involved a double-blind design with randomized prescription of heroin, morphine, and methadone in several cities, individualized prescription of these drugs in one city, and individualized prescription in a treatment project serving female drug abusers. Participants are admitted on the basis of a comprehensive assessment procedure and are involved in weekly counseling. Preliminary observations during the first 9 months indicate that this approach may be effective for some addicts, although many questions, particularly regarding long-term effects, still require answers. Table, figures, and 20 references