NGO calss on drug policy reform

As China strengthens its efforts to combat drugs, some non-governmental organizations are calling for reforms of the current drug policy. They say that a humane and compassionate approach to drug use might be more effective.

Wan Yanhai is the head of Beijing Aizhixing Institute, which engages in fighting discrimination against vulnerable groups.

He believes the current compulsory drug addiction rehabilitation policy is not as effective as was expected.

Wan says instead of strengthening security-based measures, approaches focusing on reducing the harms related to drug trade and use... and ensuring evidence-based treatments for pain and addiction are widely available... should be encouraged.

wan said, "I think psychologists, people successfully recovered from drug use and social workers should work together and play a bigger role. Those people need love and care. Abandoning or ignoring them will not do any good. But I know it will take time."

Tao Zi quit drugs in 2003. He said he used to go to compulsory rehabilitation center. But what helped him to beat the habit was Methadone.

Tao Zi, said, "What we really need is psychological treatment and support, but not absolute isolation. I am now a volunteer helping people to quit drugs. I help them to quit in a gradual way and persuade them to take the Methadone treatment. I think what we have done is very effective."

Thousands of Methadone clinics have been established around the country on a community base. But the network is small now and needs to be expanded. And the cost, although not much, keeps some poor drug users away.

Research from the International Federation of Red Cross said that forcing drug users to hide and denying them access to life-saving treatment and prevention services is creating a public health disaster.