Drug treatment

Published on 22/08/2012 00:00

Methadone treatment has been well researched internationally and found to be highly effective in improving the health of people with drug 
dependency problems (your 
report, 21 August).

It stabilises their lives, reduces their offending behaviour, enables them to make progress on getting back into employment, creates a more stable living 
environment for their families and makes communities safer from drug-related crime.

It has also been shown that prescribed methadone and being in drug treatment are 
protective factors against drug-related deaths.

Methadone is a very inexpensive intervention.

However, it’s only a part of a holistic treatment programme which should also include 
psychosocial supports such as talking therapies, coping skills and help with accommodation and welfare issues.

In Scotland there a range of services and methadone can be the first step to full recovery. Scottish Drugs Forum supports person-centred approaches to recovery.

This would include that drug users are supported on an 
optimal dose of methadone or other substitute prescription and have the opportunity to 
reduce this dose only when they feel ready and with the support of well trained staff.

Biba Brand

Scottish Drugs Forum

Mitchell Street

Glasgow