PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - H. Kent TI - Harm-reduction strategies weapon of choice in BC's battle with drug addiction DP - 1996 Sep 01 TA - Canadian Medical Association Journal PG - 571--573 VI - 155 IP - 5 4099 - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/155/5/571.short 4100 - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/155/5/571.full SO - CMAJ1996 Sep 01; 155 AB - British Columbia, which holds the dubious distinction of being the country's heroin capital, has introduced a number of programs in an attempt to reduce the number of drug-overdose deaths. A BC coroner who headed a provincial government task force into overdose fatalities in 1994 has recommended a number of harm-reduction strategies such as needle exchanges to reduce the negative consequences associated with illicit drug use. In addition, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is a world leader in methadone maintenance, with 1800 patients and 250 physicians registered in the program.