DRUG USERS CURB CRAVINGS WITH YOGA

Individual treatment programmes are developed Drug users who have served
prison sentences in Leicestershire and Rutland are being taught yoga as
part of an innovative programme to help them kick the habit.

Former inmates who committed crimes are seen five times a week and given
regular tests for drugs in the first few weeks of the programme.

Each person's lifestyle is assessed and an individual treatment programme
developed which could include work to help with cravings, psychotherapy,
acupuncture or yoga.

Leicester Criminal Justice Drug Team, which deals with the programme, also
helps criminals find employment and accommodation after leaving prison.

'Relaxation Technique'

The team says the holistic approach is proving more successful than simply
putting people on medication.

Re-offending among drug users on the new scheme is said to have dropped
dramatically.

Assistant chief officer of Leicestershire and Rutland probation service
Paul Hindson said: "I have not come across any other schemes in the country
that have the range of interventions we have.

"A drug user comes with a multitude of problems and we have a multitude of
ways to deal with those problems.

"Some of the things we do are standard practice across the country, but we
also have a number of alternative methods like yoga and acupuncture."

Kevin, a former drug-user and prisoner who has been taking part in a
programme to learn yoga, says it helped to put him back on the straight and
narrow.

He told BBC Radio Leicester: "Both of them combined together (yoga and
acupuncture) is a great relaxation technique and helps me through the week.

"To me, I never thought it would work but I went with an open mind. I
wanted to be helped so I grasped it with both hands. I'm making progress."

Mr Hindson said the scheme tries to ensure that there is continuity for
prisoners when they come out of jail.

"When they come out they are not just cast adrift.

"If they have been off drugs by prison enforcement, we make sure they don't
go straight back on to them outside," he said.