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UK: Drug addicts may get shopping vouchers

The Scotsman

Friday 26 Jan 2007

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LONDON (Reuters) - Shopping vouchers could be given to drug addicts as
an incentive to help them tackle their problems, the government's health
guidance watchdog said on Friday.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said
users could get "modest" payments of between five and 10 pounds if they
pass regular drug tests.

Vouchers could be handed out to try to persuade addicts to stay off
drugs or to take part in health-screening for infectious diseases.

The technique has proved effective in the United States and Canada, NICE
said in a document outlining its draft guidelines to health chiefs.

"This recommendation (is) based on evidence that this type of approach
is effective," said Professor Peter Littlejohns, NICE's clinical and
public health director.

"Providing incentives to encourage treatment attendance is reported to
be effective in other healthcare fields."

Other proposals include:

- Doctors should involve addicts and their carers and relatives in
decisions about their treatment.

- Addicts should be urged to visit self-help groups such as Narcotics
Anonymous.

- Cognitive behavioural therapy for cannabis users.

The Department of Health said the ideas were open for consultation.
NICE's final guidance will be published in July.

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=139062007

 

 

 

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