Treating Heroin Addiction With Heroin

Different kinds of treatment are introduced for the rehabilitation of drug and alcohol addiction. In Canada, they have a different approach because heroin addicts can get doctor’s prescription for pharmaceutical grade heroin for severe addiction. As of September 13, doctors can get permits from Canada Special Access Program to prescribe pharmaceutical grade heroin upon verification that traditional options are ineffective to get a patient quit the habit. It must also be proven that rehabilitation or prescribing methadone has failed.

Canada has always adapted progressive thinking in creating legislations that considers addition as an illness instead of moral failure. In 2003, Vancouver became home to the first SIF or supervised injection facility that allows heroin users to bring their own stash and use sterile needles in an environment that is safe and clean. The policy has paved the way for a change in the general perception of addiction. New York council approved a study on the supervised injection facilities while Ithaca’s mayor has proposed to open an SIF.

Canada is undertaking steps to move forward to drug policies that are based on science and evidence-based practices. According to Alyssa Aguilera, co-director of non-profit VOCAL-NY Canada’s new policy is encouraging because it is restorative instead of punitive. This is so unlike the American Drug War where the manner of drug law enforcement is very strict.

Canada recognizes the physical needs of addicts and understands that withdrawal has detrimental effects on the human body. Experts say that it is not realistic to go from all to nothing in just one night especially for those who have been addicted for a long time. Once the addict quits cold turkey, tolerance plummets making them more vulnerable to overdose if they relapse. The new policy is certainly controversial but it is acknowledged that incremental reductions in heroin use are better for some patients instead of other treatment methods.

Passages Malibu offers a unique type of treatment for patient. Instead of a cookie cutter approach that is being offered by rehabilitation centers, a customized program is followed according to the patient’s needs. The reason for addiction is determined so that an effective treatment can be provided.