One-third of heroin addicts kept on expensive methadone for more than 10 years to ‘control crime’

HSE document reveals 3,325 heroin users given costly drug substitute for over 10 years.

For the first time, publicly, a HSE document has confirmed the long-held suspicion that the prescription of methadone is as much a form of controlling criminal behaviour by addicts as it is a substitute for heroin.

In a HSE briefing document to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the addict treatment centre in the town states that "benefits" to the community by methadone and other services to addicts include "less crime and anti-social behaviour".

The document further adds that heroin addicts are the "collective responsibility" of the State and it is the HSE's duty "to ensure that such vulnerable members of the community are treated and supported in the most appropriate setting and to assist them to achieve their full potential".

One-third of heroin addicts kept on expensive methadone for more than 10 years to ‘control crime’

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