A SCHEME to help those who misuse drugs tackle their addiction has been set up in Hampshire.

The Supervised Methadone Consumption Scheme, which has been introduced by West Hamp-shire NHS Trust, aims to ensure that users will consume their prescribed dose of methadone - which is given to help tackle dependence - under the supervision of a community pharmacist.

Nikki Martin, clinical practitioner at Southampton's New Road centre service for substance users, said: "Supervised consumption ensures that methadone is taken on a daily basis at the dose prescribed by the doctor, which maximises its effectiveness and reduces the daily risk of overdose.

"As it involves regular contact with a pharmacist, clients can also get support with other health problems or with liaising with the substance use services.

"It also brings much wider benefits. Supervision prevents methadone being sold, lost or given to others providing additional safety for the community; it also stops it from being stored in people's homes where the risk of accidents - particularly for children - is greatest. All these things taken together ensure that everybody benefits."

The programme, which covers Southampton and south west Hampshire, is based on experiences in Scotland where it has been in operation since the mid 1990s. Currently 16 pharmacies in and around Southampton participate in the scheme.