PROGRAM FOR COCAINE ADDICTS LAUNCHES TODAY

Similar To Those That Use Methadone To Treat Heroin Users

A drug addiction treatment initiative that provides cocaine users with
prescription drugs to kick the habit is being launched in Vancouver
today.

The program, run by a non-profit organization called Inner Change, has
the backing of Mayor Sam Sullivan and Vancouver Coastal Health's Dr.
John Blatherwick. Both will be on hand at the launching ceremony being
held at the Plaza 500 Hotel, at 11 a.m.

People addicted to crack cocaine will be given prescription oral
stimulants in a manner similar to how methadone is used as a
replacement drug for heroin addicts.

Blatherwick said the project would require getting an exemption from
Health Canada, cknw.com reports. Doctors are not allowed to prescribe
the drugs for reasons other than Attention Deficit Disorder or
narcolepsy.