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short-term form of treatment aimed at eliminating the physical dependence on narcotics. The methadone treatment programme has proved to be very effective in serving both the addict and the community. At present, there are 25 methadone clinics located in various districts throughout Hong Kong.
The largest voluntary in-patient treatment programme is run by SARDA. The society operates two treatment centres, one for men and the other for women. The male centre, on the island of Shek Kwu Chau, has a capacity for 500 patients, while the Women's Treatment Centre, in Wan Chai and in Sha Tin can handle 39 patients. Linked to these centres are three units for the intake of patients, five regional social service centres, six halfway houses, an employment placement office and a clinic which provides pre- admission medical examination and methadone treatment, urine analysis and post- discharge medical care.
A compulsory treatment programme is operated by the Correctional Services Depart- ment under the Drug Addiction Treatment Centres Ordinance. The department runs two addiction treatment centres on the island of Hei Ling Chau, one for male adults and the other for young males under 21. The former has capacity for 938 and the latter 136. Adult female addicts receive treatment in a section of the Tai Lam Centre for Women specially set aside for this purpose while the treatment programme for young women under 21 is conducted in the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution. These treatment programmes range from two to 12 months, and all persons discharged are given one year of statutory after-care.
In 1988, the two voluntary treatment programmes and the Correctional Services Department's compulsory treatment programme admitted 13 000 addicts. On average, there were 14.000 addicts and ex-addicts receiving some form of treatment, rehabilitation and after-care every day.
On the advice of ACAN, a pilot counselling centre was set up in Tsim Sha Tsui in April to provide counselling and telephone enquiry services for the public as well as psychotropic substance abusers. Operated by the Hong Kong Christian Service with financial support from the Lotteries Fund, the centre handled 100 cases and 1 500 enquiries since its inception.
Preventive Education and Publicity
Work in these areas is focused on heightening public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, promoting community involvement in tackling the problem, dissuading young people from experimenting with drugs or becoming involved in drug crime, and encourag- ing addicts to come forward for treatment. The objectives of the publicity campaign in 1988 were to educate the public, in particular youngsters, on the harmful effects of abusing drugs, and to arouse parents' awareness in the fight against drug abuse.
Five district campaigns with community involvement were held. Among the events organised to drive home the anti-narcotics message were carnivals, concerts, telematch games, a family sports day, a variety show, a disco night, visits, exhibitions and seminars.
Co-operation with community organisations in implementing anti-drug educational and publicity campaigns was also enhanced during the year. One of the typical examples was the joint venture of the ACAN and the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Associa- tion in organising the 1988 Hong Kong International Marathon. With the theme of 'Be An Anti-Drug Runner', the event was held on January 24 on the Island Eastern Corridor on Hong Kong Island. More than 900 runners from 18 countries/territories took part.