ADDICTS CONSULTED IN WAR ON DRUG ABUSE

Addicts are to be consulted as part of a drugs information initiative
commissioned by the Scottish Executive.

The new strategy represents a significant shift from the 'just say no'
approach to drug abuse.

Edinburgh-based Barkers Advertising has spoken to thousands of people
living in estates that are known to have serious drug problems.

The results of their survey will be announced by Deputy Justice Minister
Richard Simpson at the end of the month.

Details are being kept under wraps, but it is anticipated that a
television, newspaper and billboard campaign will be launched. Drugs
campaigners say the initiative will provide life-saving information for
drug-users.

Alastair Ramsay, of Scotland Against Drugs, welcomed the Executive's
approach. 'This will help drug workers in the field know how their work
fits into the overall Scottish Executive strategy,' he said.

Barkers asked 1,000 young Scots what they thought of how the Executive was
dealing with the issue of drugs; 74 per cent saw drug misuse in Scotland as
a very serious problem.

It is believed the majority said the police were responsible for tackling
drugs, but very few mentioned the health service or drug help groups,
indicating that few knew where to turn for help.

The Executive has identified 56,000 problem drug users across Scotland and,
at the launch of the strategy, Dr Simpson is expected to reiterate the
Executive's hard-line stance on drug-related crime.