TREATMENT FOR WOMEN
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Many difficulties were encountered in attempting to introduce a
treatment programme for women addicts. Due to the small numbers admitted
to prison, the women were housed in one building, making segregation difficult. The setting up of a full treatment facility was impossible without a large capital outlay not justified by the number requiring
treatment.
Consequently, between 1958 and 1969, during which the specialised
treatment programme for males was developed, treatment for women addicts was restricted to medical treatment during the withdrawal phase. However, when a new centre for women was opened at the end of 1969 the opportunity came to embark upon a full treatment programme for women addicts.
The treatment centre, administered under the Drug Addiction Treatment Centres Ordinance has accommodation for 110 women and, like the
men's centre, is also situated close to the Tai Lam Chung dam. The programme is basically similar to the one for men except where differences
are made necessary because of sex. Here the main emphasis in cultivating good work habits is directed towards the type of work more suitable to women and includes tailoring, hair-dressing and embroidery.
The majority of women admitted for treatment will have recovered from the withdrawal phase, having been treated for withdrawal during the
period on remand in the same centre. The usual period for remand is 14
days. Here too the progress of every inmate is also followed with the
closest possible interest by the superintendent and staff. The problem of psychological dependence on the drug comes in for close attention.
Leave passes of up to 72 hours are granted on the same conditions as those
for men.
The staff have access to the laboratory facilities at the Tai
Lam Addiction Treatment Centre. Inmates participate in educational
programmes, and outdoor recreational facilities are available.
REHABILITATION
Experience has shown that the rehabilitation of women addicts is in some cases more difficult to carry through than that of their male
counterparts. For the young teenage girl, the lure of the bright lights
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