| Figures released at Holyrood showed the cost of supervised dispensing of the heroin replacement was in excess of £1.2 million in both NHS regions in 2007-08.
The news has reopened debate on the controversial strategy for dealing with heroin addiction, which has seen the programme dubbed “NHS-prescribed drug addiction”.
But Fergus Ewing, minister for community safety, told the Tele the use of methadone would continue — but only as part of wider ranging plans for tackling the county’s escalating heroin problem.
He said, “Our national drugs strategy, unanimously endorsed by the parliament in June, was clear that recovery must be the focus of all drug treatment and rehabilitation services.
“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 to fully address an individual’s needs and help them recover and rebuild their lives.”
He added that this strategy also recognised the need to help people move on from methadone through other treatments. “Different people with different circumstances inevitably means different routes to recovery,” said Mr Ewing.
“The challenge is to make sure the right support is available at the time it is needed, rather than promoting one particular type of treatment. It is up to local partners to put in place services, or ensure suitable access to services, according to proven local need and priorities.”
The policy reflects the view reached by Dr Brian Kidd, Lead Clinician for Tayside’s Substance Misuse Services, who also sits on a group that advises the Scottish Government.
The Methadone Project Group published a report this year detailing its research on the best way to deal with heroin addiction.
Mr Kidd said, “My group formed a consensus view that methadone is still an absolutely key treatment element but there needs to be more than just methadone.”
Earlier this year the Tele calculated Dundee could have a £1.8 million heroin habit, based on figures provided by the city’s needle exchange facilities.
The news came as it was claimed the city was “awash” with the drug.
The total cost of dispensing methadone across Scotland last year was £25.7 million. |
