§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has given any financial or other help to groups or individuals seeking to assist people who have become addicted to prescribed sedatives or tranquillisers.
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§ Mr. John PattenA number of voluntary organisations receive grants for services to problem drug takers and some of these include the users of prescribed sedatives and tranquillisers among their clientele. In addition grants have been made under the Central Funding Initiative to the following organisations which cater specifically for the needs of people addicted to prescribed sedatives or tranquillisers.
Voluntary organisations Description of Project Cost (£) Tranx Self-help group—tranquilliser misuse—Harrow 89,183 Tranx Release (Northampton) Advisory and self-help service— tranquilliser misuse 29,892 West Cumbria MIND (Copeland) Self help group and other services for tranquilliser misusers. 85,442
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research has been carried out by or for his Department into the extent and seriousness of addiction to prescribed tranquillisers and sedatives.
§ Mr. John PattenThere has been no research specifically into the extent of addiction to prescribed tranquillisers and sedatives.
The Department has funded two studies into the prevalence of drug misuse generally (including tranquillisers and sedatives). One which was carried out under the direction of Dr. A. Thorley, St. Nicholas hospital, Newcastle-upon-tyne was completed in 1982. The other has taken place in Camden and Islington under the supervision of Dr. M. Mitcheson of the University College hospital drug dependence clinic. A draft manual produced by the project for the use of health authorities in identifying drug misuse problems is currently being considered by the Department.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from groups and individuals seeking to further the interests of people who have become addicted to prescribed tranquillisers and sedatives.
§ Mr. John PattenSix voluntary organisations concerned to assist people who have become addicted to prescribed tranquillisers and sedatives have applied to the Department for grants for local projects under the central funding initiative. Three have been approved to date and are listed in another reply to the hon. Member today. The others are under consideration.