Rehab clinics 'do not impact negatively on neighborhoods'

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by Change | 18 Feb 2009

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Research shows heroin addiction treatment centers do not have a negative impact on their neighborhoods.

A study has confirmed that heroin addiction rehab clinics do not lead to an increase of crime in the surrounding area.

Research conducted by the Universite de Montreal School of Criminology shows the North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) has no negative impact on the neighborhood where it is based.

In addition, the number of patients attending the center increased by 88 per cent in the last 12 months, with attendees' consumption of illicit drugs falling by 70 per cent.

Observations of the area, police data and interviews with residents near to the rehab clinic found no additional crime, drug and street debris or police and medical interventions.

Dr Suzanne Brissette, the head of the drug addiction rehabilitation program at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Univerite de Montreal and professor at the site's Faculty of Medicine, claims the results are "hopeful".

She states: "Steps have been taken with the Quebec ministry of health so this type of program can be offered to heroin addicts that don't respond to traditional treatments … the health of drug addicts is improved with no negative impact on the urban area."

Recent research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health claims boys who grow up with a parent suffering a heroin addiction are less likely to make a "reasonable transition" into adulthood than girls living in a similar situation.

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