Seanad debates
Wednesday, 12 November 2003
Courts and Court Officers (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second and Subsequent Stages. - National Drugs Strategy: Motion.
In the area of treatment, we must recognise that drug addiction is one of the most difficult to overcome. Detoxification and stabilisation are only the first steps. Ongoing support and counselling are even more important. In this area, waiting lists have been drastically reduced. There are almost 7,000 treatment places available. Under the strategy, there is a focus on the number of people under the age of 18 presenting for treatment. There is an ongoing debate on the methadone protocol. I have talked to people working in the treatment area and the general consensus is that methadone works for some people but not for others. There are problems with methadone and the dispensing of it. In some cases, it is sold to buy other drugs or it is mixed with drugs. There are questions on the consequences for the health of people who are on methadone. This area is subject to ongoing debate and it should be reviewed.
No comments