SLOVAKIA

The centre for treatment of drug dependences:
The centre employs 40 professionals of which 6 doctor, 21 nurses, 3 psychiatrists, 2 social workers, 2 educators, 2 administrators, 1 manager and 3 psychologists.
Treatment philosophy is based upon harm reduction offering detoxification and maintenance programmes. The average dose of methadone prescribed is 100 mg, there is no upper limit for the dose of methadone, which is provided in a liquid form mixed with juice. Take homes are allowed according to programme rules
Currently the centre treats 360 patients, whith no maximum capacity. The waiting list is about 8 weeks except for the foreigners who are on business or holiday in Bratislava. There is no maximum duration of treatment.

The centre offers:
- medical care
- social assistance
- psychiatric care
- psycho-therapy
- other medication

The centre demands:
- urine checks

Violence can get patient expelled from treatment.

Procedures for taking patient for a short time:
The centre should be informed beforehand by phone or fax.
The information necessary is:
- identity
- dose and period for which methadone is requested
- references where information can be checked

When visiting the patient has to bring a letter from his doctor.
There are no costs involved.

If patient wants to enter the programme on a permanent basis the procedures are no different.

Address: