A study of the effectiveness of treatment for drug addicts has found significant reductions in drug use and involvement in crime by participants one year after treatment.
The research commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs involved over 400 opiate users around the country.
After one year in treatment, 27% of participants were described as being drug free.
Chairman of the committee, Dr Des Corrigan, said the study showed the benefit of community-based drug treatment.
