A report has recommended the prescribing of methadone in garda stations and the ending of frequent urine testing for people on drug treatment programme.
The Health Service Executive's review of methadone treatment protocol also suggests specific measures to improve rural access to such programmes.
It recommends 'major' attention to developing models of services for all areas outside Dublin.
The report published today by Minister Pat Carey claims drug users out of treatment are three times more likely to die than those in stable drug treatment programmes.
The HSE commissioned Professor Michael Farrell of King's College London to carry out the review and he was assisted by Professor Joe Barry from Trinity College Dublin.
'The report calls on a further integration of services to ensure that the broader social needs of service users are fully addressed', Professor Farrell said.
Minister Carey said: 'I look forward to the implementation of the recommendations of the report and to the ongoing evaluation of the outcomes to ensure that the best results for problem drug users are being achieved from the public expenditure involved.'
