GPS 'BEST TO TREAT HEROIN ADDICTS'

FAMILY doctors are the best people to treat heroin addicts trying to come
off the drug, according to research, but not enough doctors are treating
addicts and more GPs and pharmacists are badly needed in order to reduce
the waiting list for methadone treatment.

Pharmacists are refusing to take on new clients in a row with the
Department of Health over deregulation of the industry.

Health authorities and voluntary groups working with addicts have warned
this will create a backlog in the system and add to waiting lists, causing
hardship for addicts and their families.

The problem could be made even worse, if GPs take industrial action next
month in a row between the Irish Medical Organisation and the Department of
Health over unimplemented deals with GPs.

Research carried out by the Health Research Board among addicts receiving
treatment found they preferred being treated by their GP, rather than drug
treatment centres:

* GP programmes required less frequent attendance and greater flexibility
on attendance times.

* GP programmes meant less contact with other drug users and the drug
culture that dominates many government clinics.

* GP programmes also removed recovering addicts from the general drug scene.

* Users felt less stigmatised by attending a GP rather than a methadone
clinic, helping to break links with the drugs community.