Nonprofit organization DrugScope criticized the BBC for its “Breaking the Habit” report on methadone based on “rightwing think tank’s” study on the drug, The Guardian reported.
The think tank, the Centre for Policy Studies, reportedly claimed using methadone in treating heroin addiction is “entrenching addiction,” according to The Guardian.
The BBC’s report claimed that methadone use is “an expensive failure” for treating heroin addicts for which the taxpayers picks up the bill, The Guardian reported. But, DrugScope claims that the Centre for Policy Studies’ report features “misleading” information including how much prescribing methadone costs a year.
DrugScope’s chief executive, Martin Barnes reportedly claimed: “Not only are the misleading claims potentially damaging to public confidence in drug treatment at a time of spending cuts and competing priorities, they risk reinforcing the stigma and barriers many people in recovery experience.”