Jack Straw’s call (LT, Sept 18) for an “open mind on alter-native approaches” in dealing with long-term heroin users is a welcome step towards a more effective policy.

His view is in line with experts from the International Council on Security and Development and many practitioners in the field, who argue the debate and policy response should move from the ideological sphere towards a more pragmatic approach.

Trials in Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Spain have found that heroin-assisted treatment as a maintenance course for opioid-dependent patients reduces illicit drug use.

Additionally, the Vancouver trials refuted the suggestion that treatment clinics would result in a ‘honeypot’ effect, drawing crime into the surrounding communities. Effective prescrip-tion treatment for addicts has been proven to keep them from the chaotic, violent and criminal lifestyles which are normally necessary to support a habit not properly treated.

Moreover, controlled prescription enables the hygienic administration of the drug, thus reducing the spread of HIV/ AIDS, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. Open-minded thinking in tackling drug addiction is essential in moving towards a policy which will benefit the greatest number of people, from addicts to ordinary taxpayers.

Jack Straw should be commended for bringing the formulation of a progressive drug policy to the fore.

Raymond Kendall, Chair, International Council on Security and Development