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Myths about treatments for drug addiction are preventing heroin and crack cocaine addicts from seeking help, a new report suggests.

The report, led by the European Association for the Treatment of Addiction (Eata), says street myths about coming off drugs - such as difficulties in accessing treatment programmes and the "cold turkey" effect - can stop many seeking life-saving support.

The report also states that ignorance is a problem: one in three people in England does not understand what treatment for addiction involves although 61 per cent believe drugs are a problem in their area.


Ian Robinson, chief-executive of Eata and co-author of the report, said waiting times for treatment are often more myth than reality. "In many parts of the country there are drop-in centres where users can talk to someone immediately," he said. 

- Treatment Works: Fact or Fiction? from www.treatmentworks.co.uk