The head of the Iranian AIDS Research Center criticized the implementation of the Article 16 centers, emphasizing that these centers are not up to standard and their quality needs significant improvement. According to ISNA, Minou Mohraz stated that this method of gathering addicts has been outdated in European countries for years, asserting that gathering addicts in one place is not scientific, as they can be treated on an outpatient basis. To achieve this, harm reduction centers need to be strengthened. She noted that harm reduction does not align with imprisonment, as infectious diseases are likely to arise in addiction camps, given that some addicts are HIV positive before their arrest. Mehrdad Darvishpour, a sociologist residing in Sweden, believes that there is no correct perspective on addiction in Iran and that social deviance and crime should be distinguished from one another. Addicts covered by Article 16 are those who have not sought treatment and are considered criminals under the law, thus being transferred to addiction camps. Minou Mohraz reiterated that the establishment of addiction camps has been obsolete in other countries for years, and the cost of harm reduction programs is much lower than that of creating camps. She stated that when addicts are viewed legally, the decision is made to arrest them. However, from a scientific perspective, an addict is a patient with a substance dependence that should be treated, not coerced. Provisional Drug Control Headquarters official Parviz Afshar announced on Tuesday, May 28, that the share of women among the total addicts has doubled from 2001 to 2011, describing it as a serious warning. According to Fars News Agency, Shahindokht Molaverdi, the Vice President for Women’s Affairs, stated last year that women constitute 10% of addicts. Previously, according to IRNA, Kourosh Parand, Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, reported that the number of addicts in Iran is approximately 1.35 million.
Dangers of Addiction Rehabilitation Camps in Iran
The head of the Iranian AIDS Research Center criticized the outdated and ineffective addiction rehabilitation camps in Iran, advocating for outpatient treatment and harm reduction strategies instead. The rising number of female addicts and the overall increase in addiction rates highlight a growing public health crisis.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The head of the Iranian AIDS Research Center criticized the outdated addiction rehabilitation camps in Iran, advocating for outpatient treatment and harm reduction strategies. This criticism comes amid rising addiction rates and a notable increase in female addicts.
- The number of female addicts has doubled from 2001 to 2011.
- Approximately 1.35 million people are reported to be addicts in Iran.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has struggled with drug addiction for decades, often treating it as a criminal issue rather than a public health concern. This has led to the establishment of rehabilitation camps that are now being criticized for their ineffectiveness.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%