Pubdate: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 Source: Independent (UK) Copyright: 2006 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd. Contact: http://www.independent.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/209 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1581/a05.html Author: Christina Ball FREE NHS HEROIN FOR ADDICTS IS WRONG, IMPRACTICAL AND DANGEROUS The proposal by Howard Roberts, the deputy chief constable of Nottingham for heroin to be prescribed to drug addicts is flawed, impractical and dangerous (article, 23 November). As a police officer, he approaches the problem of drug addiction through crime statistics, rather than considering what is necessarily best for vulnerable drug-users. For most heroin addicts, they can never have access to too much of the drug, and even if prescribed a minimal dose, will still continue to commit low-level crime to buy "that little bit more". If the Government really wants to solve the drug problems, perhaps this money would be better spent elsewhere. We have direct experience in providing support for drug-users, their families and friends. We understand the importance of outreach education as a preventative solution. But programmes such as ours remain massively under-resourced, leaving us desperately looking for funding to survive. The Government should be investing money in counselling and education to ensure those with addictions receive the extended and monitored support needed to help combat their addictions. Christina Ball Operations Director, Drugsline Gants Hill, Ilford - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake