Clinic offers implants to drug addicts

AYorkshire- based addiction clinic has offered free “opiate blocking” stomach implants to Dundee addict sin an attempt to stem the city’s drug death crisis.

Scott Wallace from the BONDS Clinic in Bradford, West Yorkshire, says Naltrexone blockers can cut drug and alcohol cravings for up to nine months.

Mr Wallace wants to carry out a pilot project showing the implants’ potential to tackle soaring drug deaths across Scotland.

Drug workers in the city have offered only a cautious welcome to the proposal, pointing out Naltrexone has already been in use “for many years”.

Mr Wallace said: “Naltrexone is an opiate blocker and also cuts the cravings.

“For too long now, UK drug services switch a ‘ bad’ drug like heroin for a ‘good’ drug like methadone or Suboxone, both of which have very low success of getting the addict drug free long-term.”

Under his proposal, slowrelease Naltrexone pellets would be placed in the fatty part of the abdomen under local anaesthetic similar to a minor surgical day procedure.

Mr Wallace said the implants offered a “revolutionary” way to treat people who are addicted.

“The period the patient is free from drugs provides addiction specialists with vital time to work on mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

“The impact on Scotland’s drugs epidemic in terms of saving lives could be enormous.

“We are asking the Scottish Government to allow us to offer our expertise and experience to help the poor souls in danger of going under due to drugs.

“During any trial, we will carry out a number of implants for Scottish addicts who want to get clean free of charge.”

Mr Wallace added: “This is not about money for us. It’s about trying to save lives.”

National Records of Scotland annual statistics published in December show the country recorded 1,264 deaths last year, a 6% rise, with Dundee leading the way per head of population.

City MSP Joe Fitzpatrick was forced to resign from his role as Scottish Government public health minister after the figures prompted a huge outcry.

A spokesman for Hillcrest Futures’ drug and alcohol service in Dundee said Na lt rex one had been available for many years.

He said: “It has been used with individuals who have left residential detox facilities across the UK.

“As it has been available for some time, we know it is not a ‘ magic bullet’ in the treatment of opiate dependence.

“However, we welcome all strategies that provide a range of evidence-based options for people that could support their recovery.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN: Dundee’s drug death figures are the highest in Scotland.