GERMANY: SYNANON CENTRE HELPS DRUG ADDICTS TO RECOVER скачать в хорошем качестве

GERMANY: SYNANON CENTRE HELPS DRUG ADDICTS TO RECOVER

(9 Jun 1998) German/Nat After just two days, the United Nations drug summit has come under harsh criticism for focusing on 'more of the same old failed policies.' Critics are urging United States President, Bill Clinton, and other world leaders to shift the focus of drug control toward public health concerns. One German rehabilitation centre, claims it's offering a new approach which is keeping heavy users off drugs, by giving them a second chance at life. APTV looks at the 'Synanon' centre in Berlin, and how it is helping junkies find a new lease on life. This is the ugly side of Germany. A side where hard drugs is a way of life - where, for these people, their only concern is when and where they will get their next hit. In 1997, 20-thousand-5-hundred-and-94 people were charged for using hard drugs - a staggering 20 per cent increase since 1996. Amphetamines, or speed, are still the most popular drug, but more and more are turning to cocaine, heroin and other synthetic drugs. And among 16 to 25 year olds ecstasy has become the new favourite as the techno and rave scene gains popularity. It's a deadly habit which, last year, killed 1-thousand-501 people. But that hasn't stopped the increased demand making Germany a haven for smugglers who use the Netherlands and Turkey as gateways. In desperation, drug rehabilitation programs are flooding the streets, but none are allowed to use methadone or other similar treatments to wean junkies off drugs. Unlike Switzerland and the Netherlands, German authorities are trying to clean up the streets by encouraging the 'cold turkey' approach. Centre's like the well established 'Synanon' are helping keep junkies off the streets. Open 24 hours a day it is a drop in centre which also offers long term accommodation. The rules here are simple - no drugs, no tobacco and no violence. For the drug users who come here, it's a chance for a new start in life. SOUNDBITE: (German) "What held me here was what I missed in all the years of addiction, simply being and living together with people who have the same problems and of course enjoying the feeling of friendship and love again." SUPER CAPTION: Fritz Kull, Member of the Synanon Community A laundry, carpentry, pottery centre, bakery and farm help fund the centre, as does government funding and donations. It also teaches these people new skills, helps them gain confidence and eventually find their way back into the mainstream workforce. Originally founded in the United States by a former alcoholic, 'Synanon' was first set up in Germany in 1971. Established by former junkie, Ingo Warnke, it is now one of the most popular drug rehabilitation centres in Germany. Warnke and his wife were heavy users looking for a way out. A book about 'Synanon' in America gave them the idea to build an anti drug center in Germany. Warnke says freedom and liberty are the keys to 'Synanon's' success - and that people are free to come and go as they please. SOUNDBITE: (German) "Every addict is free to join us as long as he respects the main rules ' no drugs, no violence, no tobacco' and everybody is free to leave us anytime. I believe that this is the most important thing in terms of living in a democracy. Whenever you ask "When is a society free?" then it is the most natural thing and a basic element to be free to leave without reprisals. This is a principal and I think as long as you respect this nothing can really go wrong, because when I'm fed up I leave." SUPER CAPTION: Ingo Warnke, founder of Synanon in Germany Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...