Letter: Tough posturing no help on drugs

Sir: Recent research by a Department of Health Task Force shows the taxpayer can benefit sevenfold from every pound spent on drug treatment. But, in order to deliver this benefit from reduced crime, treatment and rehabilitation services will need the resources to lead this investment.

Our research shows that people are already driven away from treatment and into continued drug misuse by lengthening waiting lists. Drug services continue to report growing demand turned away at their doors - and even closure. The real successes will only come with new thinking on redirecting resources - and even the assets seized from dealers - into the treatment which the Government is right to herald as a key way forward.

ROGER HOWARD

Chief Executive

Standing Conference on Drug Abuse

London SE1