LAST WEEK the Herald revealed that local chemists raked in close to half a million pounds for dispensing methadone to drug addicts.  The figure of £464,222 was one that sparked debate and intrigue on our website and social media channels and now we have spoken to a number of agencies to get their views on the substitute for heroin.  David Nott, a Community Care Coordinator for Triage Healthcare has more than 20 years in the recovery industry and has hit out at the system in which methadone is being used.  David said: “On the NHS, some people are getting as much as 70ml per day and to start a detox we use 30ml as a starting point.  “The problem starts at the beginning when addicts go to drug or alcohol treatment centres and are given methadone. This makes the NHS the supplier or dealer instead of helping.  “The true reflection of the costs would be very difficult to find.

“If you compare it with alcohol, people who stop drinking could die after a few days of detox. With opiates you might feel like death but you will not die.

In 2014, over £17million was paid to Scottish pharmacists alone and the specialist believes that there is an onus on the NHS to do something about this and help the people in need rather than maintaining the addiction.  David added: “The NHS should be reducing the prescriptions, they shouldn’t be maintaining it and it is probably getting worse.  “You can now buy methadone on the street and some users sell it to buy heroin.  “The NHS is basically a free drug service and it is so wrong.”  Iona Colvin, Director North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are continually working with our colleagues in the Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to promote education, prevention, early intervention and recovery from alcohol and drug use.  “We also work with our local communities to address the impact that substance use has on individuals, families and the wider community.  “Methadone is only one of a range of treatment interventions available, as no single treatment intervention is appropriate for everyone who requires help and support.” A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Using some prescription medication is one of a number of factors that can make someone more likely to experience a fire, so anyone who thinks they could benefit from some support should contact us for a free home fire safety visit.

“Our crews are happy to provide the visits – they don’t take long and can be arranged for a time that suits the householder. It’s a popular initiative that sees firefighters help residents identify potential hazards and take small steps to address them.

“The crews will also install free smoke alarms where these are found to be needed. All you have to do is call us on 0800 073 1999, text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or fill in a short form athttp://www.firescotland.gov.uk.”