Vol. 510 No. 5
134 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to introduce the drug ibogaine to the treatment of drug dependence in view of its reported ability to block the symptoms of withdrawal commonly associated with dependence on drugs like heroin and its effects on the desire to re-abuse. [23010/99]
Government policy in relation to drug misuse is that a wide range of drug treatment options should be provided, including methadone maintenance, detoxification and other programmes aimed at those addicted to drugs, especially those addicted to heroin. The overall aim is to restore people to a drug free lifestyle, although it is recognised that this may not be a realistic goal for some long-term drug users, especially in the short-term.
Where a substitution drug is recommended for the treatment of opiate dependence methadone is the preferred option. However, the medical consultants involved in the treatment of such patients and who advise my Department on the best treatment options for drug misusers continually monitor and investigate new treatment therapies. Ibogaine is being monitored by the consultants in substance misuse but at present there is insufficient data to use this drug outside of the research setting. If, however this drug is proven to be efficacious in the treatment of drug misuse it will be carefully considered by the consultants involved for use in a drug treatment programme.
