Family therapy, early detection cornerstones of drug plan.(News)

BYLINE: NOAH BARRON

WHAT EXACTLY will the Matrix model used in Mayor Helen Zille's new Operational Drug Strategy Plan mean for drug addicts in Cape Town?

An in-depth look at the document reveals a host of ideas that break the mould set by provincial government and national policies.

The scheme includes an increased focus on outpatient treatment programmes. Inpatient detox clinics have proven less effective when dealing with the ravages of tik, said councillor Grant Haskin. The emphasis of the new drop-in clinics will be on family therapy, behaviour modification and reduction of addiction "triggers" - environmental factors that tempt the addict to …