HEROIN ADDICTS 'FAILED' BY DETOX

Drug addicts' families have warned their children could die while waiting
for live-saving detox treatment due to a lack of public cash.

Parents in the south Wales Valleys have come forward to warn the system to
end heroin addiction is under funded by the Welsh Assembly and failing.

The assembly's health department has admitted statistics underestimate the
number of drug-related deaths.

And Rhondda AM Geraint Davies has pleaded in the assembly for an urgent
change in anti-drug programmes, with some addicts waiting 18 months.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Council on Alcohol and Drugs is saying the assembly
lacks both the cash and necessary strategic vision to tackle the problem.

The latest salvo in the drug debate was fired when Plaid Cymru's Mr Davies
took a constituent's case to the assembly chamber.

A local heroin addict's grandmother contacted the AM after they were told
he would wait a year and a half for vital detox treatment.

The member said up to 70% of doctors refuse to prescribe medication for
drug treatment.

Statistics Incorrect

Deputy Health Minister and Aberavon AM Brian Gibbon said: "My community has
been brought to its knees because of the problems of substance abuse.

"But the problems have not been solved and could resurrect themselves at
any moment."

He said too many cases were recorded merely as accidents.

- -There are around 40,000 registered heroin addicts in the UK

- -The actual number of users around the country could be far higher

- -Heroin can be injected, dissolved or smoked and gives a quick euphoric rush

- -Dirty needles risk infection from HIV and hepatitis

- -Pregnant addicts' babies may become addicted themselves

- -Users can experience mental health problems, turn to crime

- -Users can come off the drug using the methadone substitute or detoxification

The assembly has announced a review of treatment and rehabilitation services.

But some families in the Valleys say the assembly is doing too little too
late, and spending too much on arts and culture.

Family's Pain

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales reporter Gilbert John, the grandmother who
wrote to Mr Davies began to cry as she expressed her frustration with
rehabilitation policy.

"He phoned to see if he could go on the list and they said it would be at
least a year to 18 months before they could even put him on the list.
"That's terrible - in a year, he could be dead or turn to crime; they've
got to have the heroin and they have got to steal.

"In Cardiff, you hear about so many millions for music and art.

"That money could be used up here in the Valleys to put up centres - our
children are dying."

Jean Harrington of the Taff Ely Drugs Support Group is working with the boy
involved and is attempting to arrange an at-home detox.

"Long waiting lists surround the issue of getting people into hospital for
detox," she said.

"Most voluntary agencies in south Wales work with GPs to enable clients to
detox at home so they don't need to wait that length of time."

But many are not suitable and have to resort to community detox and an
indefinitely long lead time.

Detox at home, a far cheaper alternative to community treatment at
hospitals, can be arranged within weeks if GPs were forthcoming.

Ms Harrington called for initiatives to be pooled and used more effectively.

Patchy Services

Other heroin addicts spoke of their anxiety of the 18-month waiting list.

The mother of one addict claimed a third of the current generation has been
wiped out by drugs.

Support workers say the best opportunity to offer support to an addict is
when they come forward to seek suppor - before relapsing into a life of
crime and prolonged drug use.

Iestyn Davies of the Welsh Council on Alcohol and Drugs said: "Some people
just don't see the waiting lists through.

"It is not simply a matter of funding; it is also a lack of strategic
vision and in south Wales there is a patchiness to services.

"Funding systems mean agencies have to compete against each other."

He was pessimistic the assembly's review would solve the problem.