to Addiction Services' treatment of drug users.

Yesterday he revealed that he was considering transferring responsibility for addiction treatment services from the Health Department to the NDC.

Addiction Services currently provides a methadone clinic for heroin users over the age of 18. They are assessed by counsellors at the clinic.

There is also alternative treatment for heroin users such as addiction counselling for individual and family members, as well as outside help from self-help groups.

For cocaine and crack addicts, similar services are provided such as counselling, education and support services.

Support and counselling services is also given to individuals who abuse alcohol.

Part of the change would mean the transfer of the methadone clinic from off Victoria Street to St. Brendan's Hospital which is currently being renovated to house it. Work is scheduled to be completed in three months.

Chief Medical Officer John Cann said a review of Addiction Services has been underway "for quite some time''.

He said the move to St. Brendan's was only "one segment of the treatment programme'' which the Health Department was trying to achieve as "seamlessly as possible, avoiding disruption to clients and staff''.

Presently few staff work at Addiction Services in Hamilton.

DRUGS DGS