Germany Tests "Safe Areas" for Heroin Addicts

INTERNATIONAL February 1995

The German government has established a pilot "health center" to serve as an area where heroin addicts may inject themselves with sterile needles ("Rauschgiftkonsum Unter Stadtischer Aufsicht" ["Drug Use Under Municipal Supervision"], Neue Presse, Dec. 1, 1994, p. 1).

The center is designed to reduce the risks associated with drug abuse, especially in the prevention of the spread of AIDS. The center can hold about eight people at a time and is staffed by medical personnel who can help the addicts with health problems and assist in the event of emergencies.

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