Treatment to be Forced on Crack Addicts in Sao Paulo

The most down-and-out crack addicts will be rounded from the streets of Sao Paulo and authorities make them get treatment whether they like it or not.

Rio de Janeiro is already doing this with minors, but the new program in Sao Paulo, South America's largest city, will target adults, said the justice secretary of Sao Paulo state, Eloisa de Sousa, in an interview with AFP.

Drug Abuse | Drug Addiction | Substance Abuse - Overview
The use of Drugs for reasons other than its prescribed recommendation, is known as Drug abuse or substance abuse. Drug abuse or substance abuse is initiated by various biological and social factors.

For now 700 spots in the mandatory rehab program have been created. It will get started later this month.

Economic powerhouse Brazil is now considered the world's top consumer of crack, a cheap and highly addictive residue of cocaine-making, with a million users, says a recent study by the Federal University of Sao Paulo.

A downtown Sao Paulo crack slum was cleaned out in a wave of police raids a year ago. But dealers and users are now moving in back in by the hundreds.

Accident and Trauma Care - Golden Hour - Taking Care - Don’t
Accident and trauma care is an important public health challenge that requires immediate attention. Injury (trauma) is the leading cause of death for all age groups under the age of 44.

De Sousa acknowledged the delicate nature of forcing treatment on people. She insisted however the program is for addicts so far gone they can no longer look after themselves.

"These are extreme cases, and we cannot just let people die," she said. "The state has to intervene."

Alcohol Use Disorder | Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism is an inability to control drinking. It can cause short term and long term physical, as well as psychological effects on the patient.

The forced round-ups will be done under an agreement among the Sao Paulo state prosecutor's office, the state's highest court and the Brazilian bar association.

Addicts deemed helpless will be rounded up if requested by relatives or a team including police and a judge, the official said.

Brazil's congress plans to vote in February on a bill that toughens penalties for drug trafficking and calls for forced treatment for crack addicts all over the country.

Source-AFP