Government confirms funding boost for drug treatment

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo has confirmed 398 million pounds worth of funding for drug treatment services in 2008/09.

The announcement builds on the success of existing drug treatment programmes, according to the minister.

Increased levels of investment have brought greater enrolment and retention of patients in drug treatment services, figures show.

In 2006/07, 195,000 people received treatment, which is 130 per cent more than in 1998.

Ms Primarolo stated: “Today’s announcement demonstrates that tackling drug misuse is a key government priority and we have achieved a great deal in tackling the harm that drugs cause to both individuals and society.”

She highlighted that for every pound spent on treatment, nearly ten pounds was saved in related crime and health costs.

Ms Primarolo’s announcement also comes at a time when the Drug Treatment Budget is changing to a system of allocations per person treated, in an attempt to ensure that investment goes where it is “most needed”.

Last year, the government reported that it had met its target in providing treatment to drug users, achieving earmarked treatment figures two years early.