The Scottish Executive yesterday announced plans to extend the use of programmes which are designed to prevent those convicted of drug crimes from re-offending.
Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) are currently given to more serious offenders in the sheriff and high courts as an alternative to a prison sentence.
Those who are given a DTTO must prove they are taking steps to kick their habit in order to comply.
However, the Cabinet yesterday approved plans to adapt the DTTO system so those convicted of so-called "lower-tariff" drugs crimes, normally heard in the district court, can also be placed on it.
The decision follows meetings on drugs policy involving First Minister Alex Salmond, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Annabel Goldie, leader of the Conservatives. Statistics show those who are placed on DTTOs are far less likely to re-offend than those who are not. Ministers hope catching drug offenders early will stop them committing more serious crimes in future.
Fergus Ewing, the Community Safety Minister, described tackling drug abuse as "the great social challenge of our age". He added: "More clearly needs to be done to enable low-tariff offenders in the district and also the sheriff court to access treatment as part of a court order.
"The DTTO as it stands may not be the answer but we want to ensure its best features are part of any new model.
"There is a need for quicker access to treatment at an earlier stage for low-tariff offenders.
"Too many of our young people fall into drug abuse and opt out of life. Extending the DTTO options could help us to catch more of them before they fall too far."
The executive's proposals will now be put out for public consultation to gauge reaction among those who work with drug addicts and other interested groups.
Research shows that 48% of those who complete DTTOs do not re-offend within two years, while the average amount they spend on drugs every week falls from £490 to just £57.
A spokesman for the Conservatives last night welcomed the executive announcement but said DTTOs should also be extended to those who are in prison.
"The announcement from the new Scottish Executive does not go that far and that is something we will continue to press for," he said.
"The benefits to society will be great if we find the political will to take this task on - lower re-offending, less crime and a safer prison environment."
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