The research referred to by the Deputy is part of the Research Outcome Study in Ireland (ROSIE) which was commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD). The Study aims to assess the effectiveness of treatment for drug users over a period of time and the overall message emerging is that current treatment of opiate users is having significantly positive effects.
The ROSIE study — the first national study of this type — follows participants from the point of treatment intake and monitors progress at intervals of 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. Overall, the study found marked reductions in heroin and other drug use and decreased criminal activity among participants. There was also an improvement in the physical and mental health of participants.
In January 2007, the NACD published a summary of the ROSIE findings focusing on people 1 year after detoxification (Summary of 1 –Year Outcomes: Detoxification Modality). The findings for this cohort demonstrated that participation in a detoxification programme leads to reduced drug use, reduced injecting, decreased involvement in crime, improved physical and mental health symptoms and increased contacts with social care services. Also of interest was the fact that, when compared with other national and international research, the outcomes for ROSIE participants in detoxification treatment were good and programme completion rates were high.
One of the key objectives of the National Drugs Strategy is to encourage and enable those dependent on drugs to avail of treatment leading to reduced dependency and improved overall health and social well-being. In this regard, the results from the ROSIE study are evidence that the aims and objectives of the Strategy are sound and are achievable.
I accept that detoxification is a valuable rehabilitation tool for many problem drug users. Arising from the Mid-term Review of the National Drugs Strategy, I arranged for the establishment of a Working Group on Rehabilitation, chaired by my Department, to draw up a comprehensive strategy for drugs rehabilitation. That Working Group has completed its deliberations and its report will be published shortly. Increased provision of detoxification facilities will feature among its recommendations.
