Shanghai's anti-drug authorities have begun a program to help addicts kick their habits by using traditional Chinese medical practices.

The move is meant to enhance the city's drug control and education program in advance of International Anti-Drug Day, which falls on June 26, said officials at the Shanghai Political and Legislative Committee, which oversees public security departments.

The Wu Jieping Medical Foundation and Neuroscience Research Institute of Beijing University donated 30 anti-drug devices worth 600,000 yuan (US$72,289) and anti-drug books to local addicts at a ceremony yesterday.

Based on acupuncture, the devices are said to help diminish an addict's desire for heroin.

"Medicine therapy is the most popular method used in most countries. China is the first one to introduce traditional Chinese medical practice for addicts," said Han Jisheng, who developed the equipment.

"Scientific trials and clinical tests have proven the machines to be effective," Han said.

(Shanghai Daily June 17, 2005)