Study hails benefits of drug treatment

DRUG treatment substantially reduces drug use, drug dealing and criminal activity, according to a major study.

The research, the first of its type, says treating drug users brings real dividends for users, their families and the wider community.

But the country faces a “huge challenge” in moving thousands of users on from treatment into rehabilitation and reintegration back into society.

Drugs Minister Noel Ahern welcomed the study and said it would help him secure more money from Finance Minister Brian Cowen for rehabilitation programmes.

“We are very happy with the report, which shows very, very positive outcomes for mortality rates, drug use, abstention rates and crimes committed,” said Dr Catherine Comiskey, principal author of the research, and lecturer at Maynooth College.

The report, Research Outcomes Study in Ireland (ROSIE), was commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), and involved 15 researches, led by Dr Gemma Cox.

The study followed 400 heroin users in treatment and checked them one year on. It found:

Reductions of 50% or more in use of non-prescribed methadone, cocaine, non-prescribed benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) and crack cocaine.

Among those still using, a substantial reduction in the frequency of use, the quantity being used and the amount of money spent.

A drop from 49% to 29% in the number injecting and a drop from 7% to 4% in the number of overdoses.

The research recorded significant reductions in drug-related crime.

Among female users there was a five-fold drop in prostitution.

A fifth of respondents were employed in the previous three months, but a similar number were homeless at some stage. There were improvements in physical and mental health.

However, half of respondents still felt hopeless or worthless, had no interest in things and were lonely. Nearly a fifth had suicidal thoughts.

Dr Comiskey said they expected further improvements when they conduct a three-year follow-up study.

Launching the report, Mr Ahern said the report vindicated Government funding in drug treatment.

“It’s great to show money well spent. It will help when looking for more money from Brian Cowen.”

NACD chairman Des Corrigan said it was vital investment continued for both treatment and rehabilitation.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge, to do what the minister has said, moving people off methadone and reintegration into society.”

Both men expressed disappointment with recent opposition to community drug treatment in Castleknock, west Dublin, and said what people fear from treatment is most likely to happen if none is available.