A new bill supported by the government is likely to instill hope in drug addicts throughout Israel.
The Ministerial Committee on Legislation Affairs on Sunday confirmed a bill stating that every local authority with more that 50,000 inhabitants will create a center providing drug substitutions for addicts.
The bill determines that each municipality will participate in the operational costs of the center for treatment of drug addicts and their rehabilitation by means of drug substitutes. The amount given by each municipality will be determined by the Health and Interior Ministries.
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In lieu of methadone and other drug substitutes, Tel-Aviv Municipality to launch pilot study examining distribution of heroin to addicts who cannot be rehabilitated |
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The ministerial committee initially decided to oppose the bill, but after an appeal submitted by Minister Meshulam Nahari a governmental decision to support the initiative was made.
Commentaries written on the bill initiated by Knesset Member Nissim Zeev (Shas)
state that “today there are 13 active centers in Israel which distribute methadone drug substitutes. These centers manage to treat 3,000 drug addicts every year and they receive drug replacement portions.
“The treatment method has been proven as effective in treating people addicted to hard drugs. However, until now, an insufficient amount of centers have been established in order to serve the needs of this population."
The Shas MK told Ynet that “instead of traveling great distances, it is fitting that each city will have an institution providing services for its drug addicted residents.
“The goal is to assist these people in leaving the drug circle. Why should one city’s drug addicts congregate in another city? This is not good for the city.
"It is appropriate to provide a building and supervision and it will also prevent the assembling of numerous drug addicts in one area,” said Zeev.
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