Leader: Drug deaths and the methadone debate

Published on 17/08/2010 14:46

Any reduction in the number of drug-related deaths is welcome, but the publication of the official figures showing a cut for the first time in four years give only a small crumb of comfort.

Yes, deaths in Scotland dropped, but the total is still the second highest ever recorded. The greatest concern is that the fatalities in which the use of methadone contributed to death showed a 51 per cent rise since 2007. That the heroin substitute was not the actual cause of death is irrelevant — the statistics show those who use methadone often die.

The use of methadone provokes continued controversy. Professor Neil McKeganey, of Glasgow University, argues that to change the culture of acceptance around drugs we need, in his words, to "normalise abstinence". Other experts are adamant that methadone allows addicts to lead a more normal life, keeps them away from crime and, as it is taken orally, is less dangerous to their health.

Yesterday's figures cast doubt over that last claim and will lead to further questions over whether keeping people on methadone over many years has any benefits or whether, as Prof McKeganey suggests, we should now be promoting abstinence. The more methadone-related deaths there are, the stronger the case for a change of policy becomes.