Methadone use falls but drugs issue ‘complex’

NEARLY 9,200 heroin addicts are currently in receipt of methadone, according to the HSE.

It has dropped from almost 9,400 at the end of 2010.

Only HSE South recorded an increase. But addiction experts warn that the figures do not mean heroin usage has dropped or that there are sufficient treatment facilities, particularly outside Dublin.

“The myth needs to be shot down that the heroin problem is going away,” said Dr Garreth McGovern of GPs Specialising in Substance Abuse.

“Just because the number on methadone is going down doesn’t mean that. It’s a bit more complex.

“What people need to realise is that a lot of people addicted to heroin never go to clinics, particularly in Dublin. In the country there are still many drug users who can’t get methadone treatment, particularly in Cork, Wexford, Waterford and parts of the Midlands. It’s still a big problem.”

He said there was a need to open more treatment services in parts of the country. He said the HSE was continuing to close evening clinics in Dublin, which he said was putting serious strain on day-time services.

The HSE figures show:

* 9,156 people were receiving methadone in April 2011, compared to 9,339 at the end of 2010.

* 4,925 were based in HSE Dublin-Midlands (4,981 in 2010).

* 3,056 were in HSE-North East (3,140).

* 307 were located in HSE South (288).

* 280 in HSE West (311).

* 588 were in prisons (619).

Almost €6 million was spent on methadone treatment in 2010, figures show.

Tony Geoghegan of Merchants Quay Ireland said that new and repeat cases for heroin use had “levelled off” in Dublin, but hadn’t elsewhere.

“The profile of people on methadone in greater Dublin is older than in the country and the figures reflect that. There is an increase outside Dublin and outside Dublin access to treatment is more difficult, in places like Waterford and Cork.”

He said the figures don’t necessary reflect demand.

“In many places there isn’t the incentive for many people to present for treatment because they know there is a long waiting list. They need treatment immediately. Definitely there is a need for more clinics around the country.”

The HSE has said that in 2010 two methadone services opened in Cork and one each in Tralee, Kilkenny and Wexford. Services are expected to open in 2011 in Waterford, Limerick, Dundalk, Drogheda, Tullamore and Mullingar.