The Possibility of Medical Treatment for Drug Users

On December 24, a TV program took place within the framework of the project “Legal Assistance to Drug Users” implemented by HCA Vanadzor. The topic of the program was “The problems of drug users in the sphere of healthcare.” Citizens had the chance to make phone calls during the program and get answers to their questions.

The guests of the program were the expert-doctor Arshak Dallakyan and the program director Arthur Sakunts. The doctor informed about the types of drugs and their effect on human being. He gave general information on the drugs that lead you to addiction. “Unlike physical addiction which is easier to overcome through medicine, restoration from psychological addiction needs long treatment”–mentioned A. Dallakyan. The project director pointed out that today’s legislation did not guarantee confidentiality of details for drug users who applied to healthcare structures, thus inhibiting them to get treatment. Drug users avoid from law enforcement bodies and applying to medical institutions, they are not sure they will remain secret. That is why drug users do not apply to medical institutions. “Creating dispensers RA legislation creates possibilities for treatment, but on the other hand it limits the possibility by calling the same citizens to criminal responsibility”-said A. Sakunts.
  There were phone calls during the TV program. Citizens wanted to know how much time they would need to be fully cured or how to behave when after being cured against drug addiction one became alcohol addicted. A. Dallakyan answered the questions and expressed willingness to provide necessary consultation. A. Sakunts stated that there were many cases when without informing about the reasons for bringing to the police station, the citizens were forcedly subjected to medical examination even if the case did not have any connection with drugs.
  During the TV program the results of the survey of public opinion were presented. The goal of the survey was to find out the attitude of the public about drug users and the level of their awareness about the problems of this vulnerable group.
  It is foreseen to present the public with the results of the survey conducted among drug users and their families about their own problems.
  The project is implemented with support from Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia.
  For more information you can apply to Lilit Zargaryan (HCA Vanadzor, Tigran Mets 59, tel: 4 22 68, e-mail: hcav@hcav.am )