CSDP Blog

A pioneering program to give opioid drug dependent individuals government approved heroin just recently was highly approved by Swiss voters. According to the December 1, 2008 Guardian article, ("Swiss Approve Heroin Scheme But Vote Down Marijuana Law") "Sixty-eight per cent of voters approved making the heroin programme permanent."

The article states, "It has been credited with reducing crime and improving the health and daily lives of addicts since it began 14 years ago. Parliament approved the heroin measure in a revision of Switzerland's narcotics law in March, but conservatives challenged the decision and forced a national referendum under Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The heroin programme has helped eliminate the scenes of large groups of drug users shooting up openly in parks that marred Swiss cities in the 1980s and 1990s, supporters say."

The article adds, "The United States and the UN narcotics board have criticised the programme as potentially fuelling drug abuse, but other governments have started or are considering their own schemes modelled on the system.The heroin program is offered in 23 discreet centres across Switzerland, which offer support to nearly 1,300 addicts who have not been helped by other therapies.Under supervision, they inject doses measured to satisfy a craving but not enough to cause a high."