News Roundup

UK GOVERNMENT APPROVES HEROIN USE ON PRESCRIPTION

Heroin users should, in certain circumstances, be able to get the drug on
prescription from their GP, a Home Office strategy on tackling drug misuse
has recommended.

The move recognizes that not all users find that methadone, the commonly
prescribed substitute, works. For some users, it may be better, initially
at least, to prescribe heroin, but then gradually move on to methadone.

The announcement came as part of a major government initiative to tackle
the problem of illegal drugs use in the United Kingdom.

Heroin prescribing was welcomed by the drugs charity Turning Point. Richard
Kramer, head of policy, said it might reduce the risk of overdose and could
suit entrenched users.

"But it is just one approach," he said. "What we are pleased about is they
have got a new focus on harm reduction and working with GPs in reducing the
risks with drug abuse."

But he said GPs needed incentives to get involved in such work: "It is not
enough to rely on the good will of GPs. Real training is needed."

The government's latest strategy includes a substantial cash injection for
treatment services and an advertising campaign about the dangers of drug
misuse, due to start in spring 2003, targeting young people.

The home secretary, David Blunkett, has also announced that the total spend
on initiatives to tackle drug misuse will rise to nearly AUKP1.5bn ($2.3bn;
UKP2.3bn) in 2005-6, an increase of nearly AUKP500m.

A third of the spending by 2005-6 (AUKP573m) will be on treatment services,
including treatment in prisons. Current spending on treatment services is
AUKP438m-slightly under half the current total budget of just over AUKP1bn.

Mr. Blunkett said the government would build on the work of the National
Treatment Agency, set up by the health secretary last year, to improve the
provision of drug treatment.

"All controlled drugs are harmful and will remain illegal," he said. "The
misery caused by the use of drugs and hard drugs that kill cannot be
underestimated. It damages the health and life chances of individuals; it
undermines family life, tears apart communities, and turns law abiding
citizens into thieves."

The government intends to focus on class A drugs in future. Drug addicted
offenders will be offered the opportunity of treatment in a residential
centre rather than custody when they have their bail hearing.

The latest strategy includes:

* Targeting areas known for high rates of drug misuse

* Expanding treatment services to meet individual need and include more
residential treatment

* Improving treatment for crack and cocaine users

* Improving access to GP services

* Providing aftercare for people leaving prison to stop them returning to
illegal drug use

* Providing support for families and carers.

The Department of Health has set up an advisory group to look at the most
effective treatment for heroin users.

Updated Drug Strategy 2002 is available at www.drugs.gov.uk/NationalStrategy