Drug Policy Alliance
"HAT is prescription of pharmaceutical-grade heroin (diacetylmorphine) to people
who have not responded welll to more traditional forms of treatment like
methadone or buprenorphine" (MAT) - Patients are provided with injectable or inhalable heroin, 2-3 times a day - Takes place on-site medically supervised setting HAT is gives the patients legal acess to pharmacuetical grade heroin
Prevents buying it off the black market, where it could be mixed or traced
with unknown drugs
HAT is in 6 European countries + Canada
Benefits of HATS PROS
Improved health, social functioning, and quality of life
Reduced overdose risk
- Reduced use of illicit drugs (including heroin)
- Improved treatment retention
- Reduced crime - Cost-effective Cons to HAT
- No HAT programs in the US due to
- Lack of information among clinicians
- Regialtions and policies
Issues with insurance
Community fears that it will increqse drug use and crime
Senate of Canada
Heroin epidemic started in the 70's
Main objectives of HAT
- Recruit addicts into HAT that failed other treatment options
- Reduce illegal drug usage - Improve health of patien