J
G.F. 323
t
1
0003230
CONFIDENTIAL ##
9
機密
there, and 'Operation Dawn' at Long Kair in the New Territories. The first of these handles T.B. patients who are drug addicts in addition and operates in conjunction with SARDA. Up to Feb ruary 1973 it had dealt with 58 male patients since opening in June 1971. 'Operation Dawn' propounds cure solely through the power of religion.
Methadone Maintenance Pilot Schemes.
22.
Two Methadone maintenance pilot schemes began in December 1972 and are scheduled to run for three years. One is operated by the Medical and Health Department. It was originally planned to cover a total of 550 male clients but is being enlarged to deal with another 1,000 beyond the pilot project. The other is run by the DPAS and will cover a total of 100 male clients. The purpose of these experiments is to determine whether in Hong Kong conditions methadone maintenance can be used en masse at reasonable cost for the treatment of drug addiction.
23.
Methadone is a synthetic drug which blocks the craving for opium and heroin if taken in the correct dosage. Although it is addictive, it is not harmful like heroin and a person taking it is able to lead a normal life. This method of treatment is used extensively, in the United States in particular, with varying degrees of success.. The maintenance dose has to be taken daily and (as a rule) for life. It is really a last resort type of medicine suitable for hardened addicts who have not been able to succeed with the more conventional forms of treatment and rehabilitation.
24.
The Medical and Health Department pilot scheme admits anyone who seeks this form of treatment and who is proved to be an opiate addict (subject to the limit on numbers mentioned). First of all the client enters a centre in High Street, Western District, for a period of about seven to fourteen days where he is physically
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.