Pubdate: Mon, 15 Dec 2008
Source: Press and Journal, The (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Aberdeen Journals Ltd
Contact:  http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/347
Author: Katrine Bussey
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

EXPERT CALLS SCOTS METHADONE PROGRAMME INTO QUESTION

Heroin-Substitute Users 'Still Commit Crimes for Drugs'

NEW research raises questions about the benefits of  Scotland's
methadone programme, one of the authors of  the study said yesterday.

Professor Neil McKeganey, from Glasgow University, was  involved in
research, which looked at the impact the  heroin substitute has on
those taking it.

It found people on methadone programmes still take  heroin and still
commit crimes to fund their habit. The  study set out to examine if
addicts who were given  methadone used heroin less often than those
getting  other forms of treatment.

It also considered to what extent those on methadone  "topped up"
their treatment by taking heroin.

The researchers looked at the behaviour of more than  400 users,
including 68 who were on a methadone  programme at the start. They
found "there was no  significant difference between the
methadone-maintained  sample and the other interviewees in their
propensity  to abstain from heroin use".

The study also found "there was no significant tendency  for
acquisitive crimes to fall faster among those  getting methadone
treatment than in the rest of the  sample".

Prof McKeganey said it "raises the question about the  opportunities
for reducing the size and scale of  Scotland's methadone programme".

Scots Tory leader Annabel Goldie said the argument that  giving
addicts metha-done would lead to a reduction in  crime has been lost.

"I have never disputed that methadone has a part to  play in providing
a bridge for some addicts between  dependency and recovery - but this
new analysis  shatters one of the alleged benefits of a widespread
methadone programme - namely, less crime committed by  addicts," she
said.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the national  drugs strategy
was "clear that recovery must be the  focus of drug treatment and
rehabilitation services".

She added: "Evidence shows that methadone can help  stabilise those at
risk of falling back into chaotic  lifestyles, and that it is both
valuable and necessary.

"However, this must be integrated more effectively with  wider support
services - housing, employment,  psychological support - to fully
address an  individual's needs and help them recover."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake