Glossy magazine launched for women drug users

Mainline Lady, a lifestyle magazine offering information and advice on drugs, health, and women's issues, has been launched in the Netherlands. Its target is an estimated 2000 to 4000 women users of drugs such as heroin and cocaine, and it will be offered free at methadone clinics, in prisons, and on the streets.

Modelled on other women's fashion publications, it hopes to challenge the “junkie” image, arguing that many of its readers will be middle aged, married, mothers, wives, and girlfriends.

It does not campaign for abstinence but, by offering a positive image of women, hopes to empower its readers and increase their sense of responsibility. Senior editor Karin Kloostra wrote: “Caring for the body and looking after yourself is the theme which runs through this Mainline Lady.”

Featured on the cover of the first issue is 27 year old model Shauna Heron, highlighting an article on fashion inside. Ms Heron recently successfully underwent a detoxification programme under anaesthetic.

Other articles include problems specifically for women drug users ranging from bringing up children, skin care, and diet tips to HIV prevention and dealing with jealous partners if you are involved in the sex industry.

It is published by the Mainline Foundation, an organisation funded by the health department, which offers health information to drug users and promotes links with medical services through a policy of harm reduction rather than abstinence.