Drug abuse not improving a jot: Brown

5.06.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Mar 2010

Drug abuse in Scotland has continued unabated in recent years, says Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Robert Brown.

The latest drug misuse statistics published today show that the number of drug addicts has remained stable in the last three years, while the number of prescriptions for methadone has actually increased.

Commenting, Robert Brown said:

“These statistics demonstrate very clearly that Scotland is not properly getting to grips with drug misuse.

“Scotland’s drug addiction challenge has not improved one jot in recent years. The Government has not cut the number of addicts, and more people than ever are on Methadone.

“Drug use blights the lives of users, their families and communities. A twin track approach is vital if we are to rid Scotland of the scourge of drug addiction.

"We must cut demand by prevention through prosecution of drug pushers who prey on the vulnerable in society.

"There also needs to be a proper support structure in place so that rehabilitation of drug addicts can offer a path back to a fulfilling role in society.”