No public facilities for thousands of addicts

THERE are 10,000 people who will be on methadone for life unless detox facilities are provided in this country.

It is difficult to detox an outpatient even when he or she is highly motivated and attends a GP.

The general hospitals do not have vacant beds to detox patients either from drugs or alcohol.

Thus, although we know there is a major drug and alcohol problem in Ireland we need public facilities where a person can abstain and be treated for withdrawal symptoms.

No specific group has responsibility for treating people with addiction problems who were previously treated in psychiatric hospitals.

To be admitted to a residential facility a person must be drug and alcohol-free and the only units providing these facilities are the private psychiatric hospitals.

Dr Moosajee Bhamjee

Consultant Psychiatrist

Kilrush Road

Ennis

Co Clare