Methadone treatment is widely accepted in prisons in New South Wales

BMJ 1998;316:1744 ( 6 June )

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Methadone treatment is widely accepted in prisons in New South Wales

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EDITOR $---$ The study by Seaman et al provides the first confirmation of what many have observed for years $---$ that there is strongevidence that appropriate treatment for drug misuse should bemade available to all prisoners, especially before release.¹It is normal practice (and a requirement under international treaties)to provide medical treatment for prisoners that is similar tothat which they would receive in the community. Methadone andother treatments for drug dependence should be no different. Weknow that there are illicit drugs in most prisons. Additionally,the prevalence of infection with HIV and hepatitis B and C ishigher in prisoners than in the general population, and risk takingbehaviour is widespread.

Methadone treatment was introduced into prisons in New South Wales in 1987 as a pre-release measure. Treatment has since beenexpanded to become more widely available for voluntary maintenance.Despite some initial misgivings, there has . . . [Full text of this article]

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