Large number of methadone patients continue to use drugs

A large number of heroin addicts receiving methadone in Dublin are continuing to use cocaine and cannabis, according to research carried out for the Royal College of Surgeons.

The survey of 851 addicts involved in methadone treatment programmes found that around one-quarter had used cocaine in the past month and another 10% or so were using the drug daily.

Eight-three per cent of respondents also said they had used cannabis in the past month, with four-in-ten saying they used the drug every day.

The research, which is due to be presented at the Royal College of Surgeons Research Day today, makes no mention of continued heroin abuse by those in methadone programmes.