Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I asked this question because I am aware of the increase in the number of people on the methadone programme from 1,861 in 1997 to 8,962 in 2005 and that many people believe addicts are individuals and while methadone may work for one individual, it may not work for everyone. What is the alternative? Addicts seem to be pushed down the methadone route. However, many people believe that it replaces one class A drug with another. Statistics also suggest it is harder to give up methadone than heroin. Have we examined any alternatives? What supports are there for addicts who do not want to go down the methadone route? In any treatment centre, if a person is on heroin, the next step is to go on methadone. In many cases an addict who wants to reduce the quantity of methadone is not allowed to do so. We need alternatives. People are individuals and supports do not seem to be in place.

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