Minister calls for support for drug addicts

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by Change | 2 Apr 2009

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Drug addicts should not be written off by society and deserve to be given the help and support they need for a second chance, a Scottish minister has claimed

A minister in the Scottish Executive has suggested more support from local communities should be given to drug addicts, rather than society writing them off.

Launching the What's Your Story? event, aimed at bringing together local community groups and rehab centres with the drug addicts that need help, community safety minister Fergus Ewing said people need to offer help to those who seek support for their drug or alcohol addictions.

"All of us working to tackle the misuse of drugs are in no doubt about the often considerable challenges which we face. We are rightly realistic. But we must never be fatalistic," he said.

Mr Ewing continued: "One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is meeting many courageous people who have or are battling addiction and have recovered their lives."

His comments follow research that has shown drug and alcohol addiction is costing Scottish society £5 billion every year.

However, the experience of one man in Wales shows how people are capable of overcoming their addiction problem if they receive the right support from rehab clinics.

Wales on Sunday has reported how former drug addict Richard Taylor, from Llanelli, has turned his life around and has now become a priest, having successfully kicked his habit.

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