SENIORS HOME FOR DRUG ADDICTS

Rotterdam Is Making Provision For An Extraordinary Fringe Group

Rotterdam - Drug addicts in the Netherlands are going to move into their
first rented accommodation. To that end Rotterdam will open the first
seniors residence for drug addicts by year's end.

Harry Kuiper, social worker and spokesperson for the Rotterdam addiction
clinic, Boumanshuis, told Die Welt the reason: "This group cannot be
accommodated in the usual type of seniors residence because of their
deviant behavior. If all goes well, we could have the first residence open
by Christmas. That would be the fulfillment of a fantasy-wish," he said.

The town council and the department of health are cooperating with Kuiper
and have been studying the problem for some time. 100,000 Marks have been
placed at the disposal of Kniper and his team for the first seven beds. "We
will provide them with a room, food and 24 hour medical supervision. In
addition, social activities will be organized," said Kuiper.

"They will have to provide themselves with their own drugs, but it is
possible that we might provide a contact person," he said, "who would make
the arrangements for them."

"Most of them are very forgetful and careless of their personal hygiene,"
explained Kuiper. "They suffer from a variety of symtoms and many have lost
all awareness of a day and night rhythm."

To account for the fact that it is possible for junkies to grow old in the
Netherlands, Kuiper said that one reason was the purity of the heroin
offered. Then, many are on a regular dose. "There are no crack addicts
among them," he said. "Addiction to crack cocaine leads to a rapid decline
in physical health."

"Though the chance of weaning the addicts off drugs is very slim," he said,
"it must be kept open as an option. At any rate, it is an option that has
to be voluntarily chosen."

Checked-by: Pat Dolan