‘Quick Fix’ is not working claims MSP

26/12/07

More and more drug addicts in North Glasgow are being given methadone – sparking calls for better rehabilitation.  Springburn MSP Paul Martin said it was time to look at long-term solutions, rather than just a “quick-fix”.

He and fellow MSPs expressed concerns over a report showing a 35 per cent increase in prescription rates for the heroin substitute over the last five years.

Scottish Drugs Misuse found that almost half a million prescriptions were given for the drug in 2006-07 in Scotland.

Mr Martin said: “I don’t think there is enough scrutiny of how effective the methadone programme is.  That concerns me as I don’t think there is any evidence to support its use other than it being seen as a quick fix or stop-gap solution.  If someone is an alcoholic they join Alcoholics Anonymous and are encouraged to not take alcohol.  But with heroin addiction we see the prescription of methadone, which is definitely the wrong way to go about it.  We should be encouraging positive and healthy lifestyles to help these people.”

Drug problems are rife throughout North Glasgow and beyond.  Fergus Ewing, Scottish Government’s community safety minister, said: “These statistics present a stark snapshot of the challenges Scotland faces in endeavouring to tackle the scourge of drugs.  That is why this Government is taking a fresh look at how we tackle drug misuse.  We want to build on what has worked in the past and build a new consensus on what could work in the future.  Connecting people to the right services and integrated care to help them lead drug-free lives should be the norm across Scotland rather than the exception.  Promoting recovery will be at the forefront of our strategy.”