injected heroin in a safe , stable environment at medically supervised clinics . They crucially paired that with intensive counseling and addiction treatment . The researchers reported that benefits were evident just six weeks into treatment among users who had failed at other kinds of treatment . One of those participants was `` Sarah , '' who said that after coping with her addiction for more than 20 years , she lost hope that anything would work . Watch Sarah describe the program '' Sarah described how the program had an almost immediate affect on her life . She said she was able to keep a schedule , stop buying drugs on the street and gain an appreciation of what her life could be like if she was n't so consumed by getting high . `` You 'll always be an addict basically ; it 's about managing it and leading a positive life '' said Sarah , adding , `` It quickly became , well , I actually do want to stop . I do n't really want to have to stick needles in me all my life . '' Her biggest fear now is that the program will
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- If treating heroin addicts by giving them heroin seems counterintuitive , having the government fund that addiction to the tune of more than $ 22,000 per patient per year comes across as downright radical . A heroin addict identified as Sarah says the program had an almost immediate affect on her life . A newly released British study , however , found that daily heroin injections given to hard-to-treat addicts as part of a comprehensive program succeeded in treating those addicts and reducing crime . The use of street heroin was reduced by three quarters and the crimes committed trying to get drugs were cut by two-thirds , the study found . `` The intensity of the program is quite striking , '' said John Strang , who led the research team at Britain 's National Addiction Centre , associated with King 's College in London . `` The bond that is formed and the commitment that 's established between the patient coming in for treatment and the staff is far greater than you would ever ordinarily see . '' Taking heroin off the streets seems to be making a difference . Researchers