Fighting Heroin with ... Heroin

Canadian researchers try out a new addiction-treatment program

Sometimes the poison that kills you can save you. At least that's the hope of Canadian researchers about to begin a one-year, $6.5 million clinical trial that will provide pharmaceutical-grade heroin under controlled conditions to nearly 90 addicts (a similar number will be given methadone). The study, which begins in Vancouver this week and then expands to Montreal and Toronto for similar trials, aims to end the most desperate addicts' dependence on prostitution and crime to pay for their habit. "We hypothesize they can stabilize their lives and get onto a better path," says Dr. Martin Schechter. The hope is that...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!