The Office of National Statistics today released their annual report on the state alcohol-related deaths in the UK. They found that figures had increased from the previous year and that these death rates are now highest for people of an older age (55-74) than any other age group. They also found that while the number of alcohol-related deaths among men has risen, the number among women has fallen.

On the 18th December the Sunday Post published an article about how the NHS in Scotland is failing drug addicts by choosing to prescribe Methadone instead of sending them to rehab. Many are on Methadone for years on end. Peter McCann, Castle Craig Chairman, points out the risks of treating patients with Methadone in the long term. 

On Monday 3rd October, the MSP Helen Eadie, of the Scottish Labour Party, visited Castle Craig.  Her visit came in response to an email that Peter McCann had sent out to all MSPs referring to the effects of the drug methadone on the brain:  especially cognitive impairment.

Last night, in Edinburgh University's Appleton Tower, Neil McKeganey and Stanton Peele faced up in a debate about the future of the UK's harm reduction policies. 

Is the NHS respecting the UK’s right to rehabilitation from drug and alcohol addiction?  

An emphatic “no” seems to be the answer.