Methadone prescribing rates increase – Problem is escalating, not diminishing

The latest drug misuse statistics show that methadone prescribing rates have risen by 9% over the last five years, from 90 prescriptions per 1,000 population in 2005/06 to 98 prescriptions per 1,000 population in 2009/10.

John Lamont, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said:

"As these figures clearly demonstrate, the problem is escalating, not diminishing. It is all too evident that we have become over-dependent on methadone as a 'treatment'.

"Scottish Conservatives worked relentlessly to create a new national drugs strategy, based on recovery and leading to abstinence. While it is and must remain a clinical judgment as to whether those on methadone can reduce or eventually come off their prescriptions, it is right that they are consulted by their clinicians on whether these options are possible.

"We all know that the success of a new national drugs strategy is a long term task, one which will take years to become fully successful. But in the short term, progress must be made."

For further information, please see p.60 of the report below

http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/10dmss/10dmss.pdf

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