Win some time. Understanding what will be changed in the law on compulsory treatment in LTP

The deputies adopted in the first reading the bill "On changing the laws on compulsory treatment and medical and social readaptation." Will it become easier to send a patient to LTP?

Innovations are designed to speed up and simplify the process of treatment, as well as the rehabilitation of addicted people. The draft law proposes to define a clear algorithm for sending them to a medical and labor dispensary and reduce the number of medical examinations before this to one - so as not to drag out time. After all, some patients who need compulsory treatment manage to commit a crime, or even several, while their issue of sending them to an LTP is being resolved. In addition, now they can be sent there on two grounds: on a special basis - for those who are not working, or on a general basis - for those who have four or more administrative protocols. After the innovations, two such offenses per year will be enough to determine a person for compulsory treatment.

As Oleg Ganestov, senior district police officer of the Zavodskoy district police department of the capital, noted, most often the wives of alcoholics turn to the authorities with a request to rein in their spouse, who now and then scandalizes. Often, former drinking companions of hooligans also come to law enforcement officers.

- Sometimes, in a company, drinking and heart-to-heart conversations turn into an argument that ends in a fight or murder. Another option - everyone dispersed peacefully, but after gatherings, valuables disappeared from the apartment.

Oleg Ganestov considers the definition in LTP to be an effective method of working with addicts. But he notes:

- Often the effect of the treatment is reduced to zero if the person returns to the same environment. Old friends again push to drink. And it's not far from re-offending.

Zhanna Istomina, deputy chief physician for the outpatient section of the work of the MINSK City Clinical Narcological Dispensary, confirms that in order to stabilize his life, an addicted patient needs to radically change his habits and environment.

- It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to treatment. Occupational therapy, drug treatment and work with a psychologist - all of these together is an effective method of recovery. But it is not enough to cure only the addict himself, his relatives also need help. When we are approached by families where one of the members is suffering from drugs or ALCOHOL, we try to help everyone. Codependency is a common occurrence, so we treat not only the patient directly, but also those who suffer with him.

Zhanna Istomina believes that innovations in the law will greatly facilitate the work of employees of various structures:

“This is a huge load reduction for us. If now the procedure for medical examination of those who can be sent to LTP takes place in several stages, then soon their number may be reduced to one. We support this approach, because it is very important to solve the problem as quickly as possible. The innovation will avoid red tape and aggravate the situation.

Veronica GRAMAK,

newspaper "7 days".