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Scottish methadone policy review to be published Scottish methadone policy 'should continue', says review
(about 3 hours later)
An expert group set up to review the use of methadone to treat heroin addicts in Scotland is to publish its recommendations. Methadone should continue to be used to treat heroin addicts in Scotland, a review commissioned by the Scottish government has concluded.
The group was asked by the Scottish government last year to review the effectiveness of a range of drug treatments, including methadone. The Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission also said the system used to reimburse pharmacists for dispensing methadone should be reviewed.
Methadone has been at the heart of drug treatment strategies since the 1980s.Methadone has been at the heart of drug treatment strategies since the 1980s.
But its use has been widely criticised by recovering addicts and drugs workers. But its use had been widely criticised by recovering addicts and drugs workers.
The independent group has been gathering evidence on opioid replacement therapies - where heroin users are offered an alternative drug. The independent commission was set up in the wake of concern over the role of methadone in drug-related deaths. Almost half of those who died had been using the heroin substitute.
It was commissioned in the wake of concern over the role of methadone in drug-related deaths. Almost half of those who died had been using the heroin substitute.
Methadone is by far the most widely used opioid replacement, with more than 20,000 patients receiving it last year, but some users take it for years without being weaned off it altogether.Methadone is by far the most widely used opioid replacement, with more than 20,000 patients receiving it last year, but some users take it for years without being weaned off it altogether.
There are alternatives, including prescribing medical heroin, but many in the drugs field say the debate should move away from these to an examination of how the wider needs of drug users can be met.There are alternatives, including prescribing medical heroin, but many in the drugs field say the debate should move away from these to an examination of how the wider needs of drug users can be met.
This would include ensuring users an access treatment speedily - and that if methadone is prescribed, patients are given an appropriate dose which is regularly reviewed.