§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what information he has about the use of electro-acupuncture in the treatment of heroin, methadone and cocaine addiction; and if he will make a statement.
(2) what information he has as to when trials were conducted into the use of electro-acupuncture in the treatment of heroin, methadone and cocaine addiction; with what results; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe results of a comparative trial on the use of neuro-electric therapy and oral methadone in managing opiate withdrawal conducted at the Bethlem Royal hospital were published in theBritish Journal of Psychiatry in 1984. Electrostimulation was markedly inferior to methadone withdrawal treatment. However, the researchers suggested the need for further research. I am aware that a study is presently being undertaken by the National Institute for Mental Health in the United States of America.