SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 28/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosemary Byrne today backed calls from the Scottish Drugs Forum for increased resources to work with those most at risk of developing a drug problem
Rosemary said:
"The SSP has long supported increased funding for vital rehabilitation and preventative projects in this field.
"We welcome the Scottish Drugs Forum's call for increased funding for those most at risk and hope that it will be heeded by the Executive.
“I have been arguing for community based drug rehabilitation centres for some time and there is a desperate need in many communities for such facilities.
"The SDF are right that Scotland's drug problem could be vastly reduced in 20 years' time, but we have to move away from 'just say no' to real action to tackle the problem.
"The SSP supports the creation of 5,000 apprenticeships and investment in further education to open up greater training opportunities, factors which can help divert young people away from drug abuse.
"We also support the prescription of heroin for existing addicts, a move which has lowered the number of new addicts as well as vastly reducing drug deaths and crime when tried in the UK and overseas."
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