November 9, 2007

At-Risk Drug Users Abandoned in Russia

According to Human Rights Watch, drug users in Russia receive negligible addiction treatment, making them susceptible to diseases such as HIV/AIDS (themoscowtimes.com, 11/9).

According to the 110-page report released yesterday, November 8, Russia offers few state rehabilitation centers, and most drug users  are unwilling to seek help because they fear the state-mandated registry of alcoholics and drug addicts. In addition, Russia bans the use of methadone and buprenorphine in treating those addicted to opiates.

Russia currently has the highest rate of HIV infection in Europe and accounts for roughly two thirds of cases in the Eastern Europe and Central Asian region.

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