title: Harm-reduction strategies weapon of choice in BC's battle with drug addiction.
abstract: British Columbia, which holds the dubious distinction of being the country's heroin capital, has introduced a number of programs in an attempt to reduce the number of drug-overdose deaths. A BC coroner who headed a provincial government task force into overdose fatalities in 1994 has recommended a number of harm-reduction strategies such as needle exchanges to reduce the negative consequences associated with illicit drug use. In addition, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is a world leader in methadone maintenance, with 1800 patients and 250 physicians registered in the program.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kent
mesh_terms: D001955:British Columbia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D003932:Heroin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D003932:Heroin; D008691:Methadone