...compulsory detoxification?

For years, compulsory detoxification has been a tainted concept. Over the previous years, however, the notion has taken hold that certain groups of addicts might benefit from a more compulsory form of detoxification, especially addicts who chronically perform criminal activities. Since the late 1980s and the early 1990s, the Dutch government has clearly moved towards the application of more pressure in the addiction problem.

Over the last years, people working in the area of professional care have also become more used to the idea of compulsory detoxification. The general notion had always been that addicts have to be motivated themselves to break with their addiction. Most people also figured it a waste of time and effort to talk with addicts and invest time into counseling them, if the addicts are not motivated. That was also the overall view. However, the motivation of addicts often changes by the minute. At the same time, it is also true that motivation could become stronger provided that there are good preconditions. In that respect, compulsion en dissuasion projects could provide these necessary preconditions.

De Hoop feels that compulsory detoxification could be a good solution for part of the target group (criminal addicts). In April 2001, the Penal Care Facility for Addicts Act (Dutch abbrevation: SOV) was officially entered into force.The SOV focuses on addicts who repeatedly commit minor offences but who have a very negative influence on their living environment. During a period of two years, the project aims to break through the vicious circles of the addicts' lives. On 1 October 2004, this act merged into a measure for placement in a repeat offender's institution. Effect assessment has started in 2002. It is expected to be finalized at the end of 2006.

German research after more forms of compulsory detoxification has shown that forty per cent of the detained addicts who completed the treatment were still drug-free after seventeen months. Thirty per cent relapsed into regular use or commitment of offences while the other thirty per cent had completely relapsed into their old lifestyle.