Drug addicts may get shopping vouchers

LONDON, Jan 27 (Reuters) Shopping vouchers could be given to drug addicts as an incentive to help them tackle their problems, the government's health guidance watchdog said.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) yesterday said users could get ''modest'' payments of between five and 10 pounds if they pass regular drug tests.

Vouchers could be handed out to try to persuade addicts to stay off drugs or to take part in health-screening for infectious diseases.

The technique has proved effective in the United States and Canada, NICE said in a document outlining its draft guidelines to health chiefs.

''This recommendation (is) based on evidence that this type of approach is effective,'' said Professor Peter Littlejohns, NICE's clinical and public health director.

''Providing incentives to encourage treatment attendance is reported to be effective in other healthcare fields.'' Other proposals include: - Doctors should involve addicts and their carers and relatives in decisions about their treatment.

- Addicts should be urged to visit self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous.

- Cognitive behavioural therapy for cannabis users.

The Department of Health said the ideas were open for consultation. NICE's final guidance will be published in July.

REUTERS MS KP0848