Nearly 80% of individuals return to drug abuse even after rehabilitation. Providing them placement in the job market can play a significant role to prevent this relapse, said Alireza Jazini, deputy secretary general of the Iran Drug Control Headquarters (IDCH).
Last year (ended March 20), vocational training programs were organized for 43,000 addicts and 2,025 individuals in rehab centers were employed in various production centers.
According to a government directive, 5% of funding for creation of jobs for the youth should be allocated to employment of recovered addicts, ISNA quoted him as saying.
Currently, more than 60% who are undergoing treatment for substance abuse are self-employed. The rest could receive training in 15 technical areas as per their skills, Jazini said.
He pointed to a plan to round up drug dealers. “Under the law, all drug traders are not jailed. For instance, carrying 50 grams of opium doesn’t impose imprisonment. The penalty is a cash fine and lashes.”
The IDCH has planned to house drug offenders in a separate prison. “We are cooperating with Iran Prisons Organization to assign a separate lock-up for drug dealers and abusers. The prison, located in Fashapuyeh (Fashafuyeh) District, Rey county, Tehran Province, has a capacity to accommodate 38,000 inmates and is expected to be completed by the end of June.
On the strategies to destroy meth labs, he said meth producers frequently change their location. Last year, the police closed 300 meth laboratories and seized 4,000 kg of crystal methamphetamines.
He warned about the use of “anti-addiction” medication sold in grocery stores. These have been tested and found to contain crystal meth. “Addicts should only be referred to authorized treatment centers, and their addresses are available on the IDCH website (www.dchq.ir).”
In the current year, 150 tons of illegal drugs were seized so far, an increase of 29% compared to last year. “About 75% of the drug discoveries were in border areas.”
At present there are 15,000 homeless addicts in Tehran Province. But the capital’s shelters can house only 2,500 addicts.
