53 YEAR-OLD DRUG ADDICT CARMEL SMOKES HEROINE FROM A PIPE IN AN ELDERLY HOME IN...

PICTURE TAKEN ON 5JAN00 - PICTURES TO GO WITH STORY BC-SENIOR-ADDICTS - 53 year-old Australian born drug addict Carmel lights up her pipe filled up with heroine in her room at an elderly home for drug addicts in Rotterdam January 5. Carmel is one of seven residents in the first home for elderly drug addicts which opened its doors in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam in September. Known for its tolerance of drug use, the liberal Netherlands today faces a new hurdle as an increasing number of hard drug addicts survive to pension age. In the home, addicts - average age 53 - receive medical care and a daily dose of heroin substitute methadone.The junkies, screened for good behaviour before being admitted, are not pressured to kick their habit. At the home, drug use is accepted - the staff even provide hard drugs on request - though house rules stipulate drug use is only allowed in private rooms. JFL/CLH/