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Call for better treatment of drug addicts

Concerns about the type of care received by drug addicts in Scotland have been raised by a government advisory committee.

The Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse has suggested that ministers rethink their drug treatment policy and focus more on patient aspirations.

According to the group's report, which is due to be published this week, a significant shift in the philosophy of care should be undertaken.

Dr Brian Kidd, a member of the committee, told the BBC: "This will not be achieved overnight but, with the development of a new national drugs strategy, there has perhaps never been a more fitting time to raise aspirations."

July 2007 figures from the Scottish government reveal that around 21,000 people were using methadone to help with a heroin addiction.

These findings prompted Scotland's community safety minister Fergus Ewing to pledge to improve services to guide methadone users into a drug-free lifestyle.

Article originally published on 25/03/2008 by DryOutNow.com, the alcohol specific website for Addiction Advisor

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