HCM City: community-based drug detoxification model effective
The model of detoxification for drug addicts in family and community has proved to be effective after one year of implementation in Ho Chi Minh City, the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs reported on October 14.
The city has set up 52 consultation posts in 16 out of its 24 districts, which have given advice to more than 4,580 drug addicts.
A medical worker monitors drug addicts' use of Methadone therapy |
However, localities also pointed to a number of difficulties during the implementation of the model, including lack of cooperation from addicts’ families and a high risk of relapsing.
Tran Ngoc Du from the Sub-Department for Social Evil Prevention, added that most localities do not yet to have standardized facilities to treat withdrawal symptoms.
In the coming time, the city plans to diversify communications on drug detoxification while working with districts to maintain and expand the consultation posts in major hot spots, he said.