COUNTING THE COST OF TREATING DRUG ADDICTS

Jean Calder must be applauded for highlighting the dangers of
methadone as a "treatment" for drug addicts (The Argus, July 5).

The Government persists in having crime and harm reduction as the
main aims in its misguided drugs policy, not the personal well-being
of the addict and their family.

The public would be shocked that, in spite of the many millions of
pounds spent on "drug treatment", barely three per cent of drug users
in England complete their treatment drug-free. Most either carry on
using illegal drugs or are condemned to a life on methadone.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has said
that the NHS should not pay the UKP2.50 a day it would cost to treat
patients suffering mild symptoms associated with moderate and late
stage Alzheimer's disease. Yet it freely supplies methadone to
addicts at UKP8.22 a day when there is a more cost-effective and
humane alternative, ie, helping people to stop using drugs.

Jean Calder has in recent weeks highlighted the situation of those
suffering from Alzheimer's and those on methadone. The Government
would do well to make her column compulsory reading for its ministers
and advisers.

George Smith, Vere Road, Brighton