Methadone prescriptions fell in Bolton, figures show

This comes weeks after data was revealed showing the number of people in Bolton who have died in drug treatment deaths.

The substance misuse service gave fewer methadone prescriptions to treat opioid addiction last year, new figures show.

Methadone, marketed under the brand name Physeptone, is a synthetic opioid used to help people who have a heroin addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms.

The drug is only available on prescription from GPs or drug treatment services.

Methadone is addictive, like all opioids. When used for detox, a treatment plan includes details for gradually reducing then stopping doses of it.

Figures from the NHS OpenPrescribing service show 19,734 prescriptions for methadone were given out by the substance misuse service in the former NHS Bolton CCG to treat substance dependence.

This was down from 21,035 the year before.

However, it was up significantly from five years prior when 14,905 prescriptions were handed out in 2018.

This data shows the number of prescriptions given by services, rather than patients – a single patient may have been prescribed a drug multiple times over the same year.

Kate Hall, Head of Operations at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “Though the number of prescriptions for methadone has decreased, it is important to note that there has been an increase in the number of people accessing treatment at our service, since 2018.

“Methadone is just one form of opiate substitution therapy, alongside other medications, including (but not limited to) oral buprenorphine and buprenorphine, which can be delivered as a long-acting injection.

"We are delighted to offer buprenorphine in this form, allowing for greater flexibility as service users don’t have to attend pharmacies on a daily basis to collect and take their medication.

"We participated in a national clinical trial to further understand the benefits of this medication and as a result have invested in increased access.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that help is available.

"To find out about the support available to you in Bolton, visit https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve, call Achieve Bolton on 01204 483090, or speak with your GP.”

• Also read: Rise in drug treatment deaths across the borough

It is in contrast to the trend across England where prescriptions for the opioid have fallen 18 per cent in the last five years – from about 634,00 GP prescriptions in 2018 to 518,000 last year.

The total cost to the NHS for these prescriptions over the past five years was £18.4 million, with last year costing around £3.3 million.

Martin Blakebrough, chief executive of charity Kaleidoscope which runs drug and alcohol services, said the drop in GP prescriptions for methadone is concerning news.

He added the stigma surrounding drug use means many GPs are reluctant to help opiate users.

He said: "The big problem from my perspective however is that where possible a person's GP should be able to support their patients and too many are avoiding this responsibility and in effect discharging that responsibility to drug agencies who are primarily tasked in helping those who do not engage in mainstream services."

The NHS said GPs and pharmacists have cut all opioid prescriptions in England, including methadone, 450,000 in under four years.

It comes as the NHS announced a new action plan to crack down on the overuse of potentially addictive medicines such as sleeping pills and benzodiazepine.

Professor Tony Avery, NHS England Prescribing national clinical director said medicines offers a range of tools to medical staff in caring and treating patients.

Fall in methadone prescriptions for opiate addiction in Bolton (Image: Radar)

“However, we need to be alert to the risks of some medicines, particularly when used over a long period of time, and the framework we are publishing today empowers local services to work with people to ensure they are being effectively supported when a medicine is no longer providing overall benefit,” he added.

Health minister Neil O'Brien said tackling the overprescribing of opioids is important. “Some opioids are highly addictive and have the potential to cause significant harm,” he said.

This data comes weeks after data revealed the number of people who died while accessing addiction treatment in Bolton has risen.

The Transform Drug Policy Foundation said that in order to save lives, more must be done to encourage drug users to enter and remain in treatment.

• Also read: Police working to 'cut the head off the snake' when tackling drug dealing in Bolton

The Department of Health and Social Care figures show there were 92 deaths among adults undergoing drug addiction treatment in Bolton between April 2019 and March 2022.

This was up from 57 who died during the three years prior, from April 2016 to March 2019.

It was also up from 90 deaths recorded between 2018 and 2021.

Martin Powell, head of partnerships at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, said the rise in deaths is likely due in part to Covid-19 preventing face to face treatment.

Mr Powell added: "But against a backdrop of record drug deaths, we should be very concerned that over a third of people are dropping out of treatment, and just 60 per cent of people using heroin are in treatment at all.

"To save lives we must offer services that retain people in treatment, and appeal to those we aren't reaching – including heroin prescribing clinics, overdose prevention centres and crack pipe distribution."

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.