Lester De Vine

In Vancouver, a pilot program was started in 2005 (the first of its kind in North America) assessing the efficacy of heroin assisted treatment among hard-core drug users. This type of study, which has been previously conducted in parts of Europe, proposed to solve severe drug problems afflicting portions of major cities throughout Canada.

The idea of treating opiate addicted criminals with methadone in jails and prisons across the United States has conjured up a heated debate over the past few decades. There are many different opinions held by various government officials regarding this controversial topic.

Opioid dependence is a disease that affects nearly 2.5 million people in the United States aged 12 years or older according to a national survey conducted in 2006. Often times, these people begin using opioid drugs to combat pain, be it physical or psychological.