Germany - German parliament OKs synthetic heroin treatment for addicts

[chillinwill]

BERLIN (AP) — German lawmakers have voted to allow the prescription of synthetic heroin to long-term addicts who fail to respond to other treatments.

The lower house of parliament approved the measure Thursday.

It would apply only to people aged at least 23 who have been addicted for at least five years and undergone two previous, unsuccessful rehabilitation programs.

A cross-party group of supporters says pilot programs in seven German cities found that controlled prescription of synthetic heroin, or diamorphine, at approved facilities helped addicts who failed to respond to treatment with methadone.

Neighboring Switzerland has long had similar programs. They have been credited with reducing drug-related crime and improving addicts' health.

Associated Press
May 28, 2009
LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,5078926.story

[Perfect Day]

SWIM is a little jittery about this initial posting, but here goes...

SWIM qualifies for the treatment mentioned in this article.
SWIM would like more details about this program and how to get on it.

Do any other swimmers have any experience with synthetic heroin?

How would it compare to naturally derived heroin?