Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that methadone is being prescribed for cocaine users in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; his views on whether this is an appropriate treatment for persons with this type of addiction; if there is precedent for its use in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14433/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for the provision of drug treatment services rests with the health boards in the first instance. I am advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that methadone is not prescribed for individuals whose primary addiction is cocaine. The authority's addiction services unit provides a range of services to those presenting with cocaine use problems. The treatment methodologies utilised for those with primary cocaine addiction are evidence-based and are in line with best international practice. The services are focused on psychological support, counselling interventions and referral to appropriate residential services.

I am advised that a small number of individuals are presenting for treatment for cocaine misuse alone. The majority of service users presenting with problem cocaine use are individuals involved in poly-drug misuse, particularly opiate misuse. Their cocaine use is treated in the context of their overall treatment plan. The treatment plans may include methadone detoxification or maintenance therapies to address the individual's primary addiction to opiate drugs. I am further advised that the Irish College of General Practitioners has issued guidelines on the treatment of opiate users which describe the indications for methadone prescription and that cocaine related problems are not among those indications.