Rehab clinics 'must tackle crime through methadone prescriptions'

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by Change | 20 Feb 2009

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In order to reduce crime, methadone prescriptions should be offered by rehab clinics in conjunction with treatment.

rehab clinics should offer methadone prescriptions for people with chronic heroin addiction problems if crime is to be reduced, a commentator asserts.

Johann Hari, writing for the Independent, claims dependency is one of the key reasons why individuals commit property and sex-for-cash crimes and says this is what must be tackled if these social problems are to be minimised.

He suggests prescribing a drug to lower the effects of addiction will allow rehab treatment to be undertaken more effectively.

Stating that 15 out of the UK's 100 rehab centres have been shut under the current government, he says this approach must also be challenged.

He asserts: "Labour needs to stop being so cowardly and make the open case for medicalising drug addiction. In Switzerland, this policy was unpopular - until it was introduced and crime rates crashed down. Now it has overwhelming support."

The Cliffside Malibu has asserted that rehab clinics can provide those suffering with drug and alcohol addiction problems with a new start.

It claims many of these individuals reach a point where they realise they are experiencing dependency and need help, which is often when they sign up to a treatment programme.

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