Increase in the number of prisoners in Cork being treated for addictions

Any person entering Cork Prison giving a history of opiate use and testing positive for opioids is offered a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
THE number of inmates in Cork prison on methadone programmes increased significantly last year, according to figures from the Irish Prison Service.
The figures showed that 257 inmates in the prison received methadone treatment last year for heroin addiction – up from 180 the previous year; 141 in 2016, and 107 in 2015.
According to the Irish Prison Service, "Any person entering prison giving a history of opiate use and testing positive for opioids is offered a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification if clinically indicated."
"Patients can discuss other treatment options with healthcare staff. These may include stabilisation on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance while in prison and when they return to the community on release."