Radical measures to curb the spread of heroin addiction may have to include giving addicts prescription morphine, one of Tayside’s top police officers has said.
Speaking as part of our special week-long investigation into drug use, Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson tells today’s Courier that a ”radical rethink” is now needed to curb the scourge of illegal drugs in Scotland.
Although she does not personally advocate prescribing heroin for addicts in a bid to stabilise their habit and then help wean them off the drug, she says it should be considered as a possible option.
Ms Wilson said most addicts introduce others to the drug, allowing them to feed their own habit. By selling to friends they can set up a ”pyramid” scheme that allows them to earn enough money to buy their own heroin.
She says: ”Methadone is not successful enough by itself. Some have suggested making morphine available on prescription. I’m not a politician or advocating that, but I think we need to do something very different to stop any more people becoming addicted.”
She adds: ”I don’t look at it as decriminalisation, it is putting it in the medical system it’s a medical issue with a medical solution.For more, including the story of two former addicts, see Thursday’s Courier”I’m not saying that is the right solution but there needs to be something radical. All of these things should be under consideration. If you are trying certain things and they don’t work you need to try something else.”
Ms Wilson also warns that other drugs, generally regarded as softer than heroin, are becoming increasingly common throughout society.