EXPERT CALLS SCOTS METHADONE PROGRAMME INTO QUESTION

Heroin-Substitute Users 'Still Commit Crimes for Drugs'

NEW research raises questions about the benefits of Scotland's
methadone programme, one of the authors of the study said yesterday.

Professor Neil McKeganey, from Glasgow University, was involved in
research, which looked at the impact the heroin substitute has on
those taking it.

It found people on methadone programmes still take heroin and still
commit crimes to fund their habit. The study set out to examine if
addicts who were given methadone used heroin less often than those
getting other forms of treatment.

It also considered to what extent those on methadone "topped up"
their treatment by taking heroin.

The researchers looked at the behaviour of more than 400 users,
including 68 who were on a methadone programme at the start. They
found "there was no significant difference between the
methadone-maintained sample and the other interviewees in their
propensity to abstain from heroin use".

The study also found "there was no significant tendency for
acquisitive crimes to fall faster among those getting methadone
treatment than in the rest of the sample".

Prof McKeganey said it "raises the question about the opportunities
for reducing the size and scale of Scotland's methadone programme".

Scots Tory leader Annabel Goldie said the argument that giving
addicts metha-done would lead to a reduction in crime has been lost.

"I have never disputed that methadone has a part to play in providing
a bridge for some addicts between dependency and recovery - but this
new analysis shatters one of the alleged benefits of a widespread
methadone programme - namely, less crime committed by addicts," she
said.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the national drugs strategy
was "clear that recovery must be the focus of drug treatment and
rehabilitation services".

She added: "Evidence shows that methadone can help stabilise those at
risk of falling back into chaotic lifestyles, and that it is both
valuable and necessary.

"However, this must be integrated more effectively with wider support
services - housing, employment, psychological support - to fully
address an individual's needs and help them recover."