HELP to get addicts off drugs must be focused on those who want to stop and not long-term users who 'enjoy the lifestyle', claims a local MSP.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the way heroin addicts are treated, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said the 'tragic reality' is that some addicts 'enjoy' taking drugs and top-up the effects with prescribed methadone.

He said those people are using up vital resources meant for those who want help and families whose lives are being destroyed by drugs.

There are currently said to be more than 1,600 drug users in Inverclyde, and 60,000 in Scotland.

Mr McNeil called for a national drugs policy review after it was revealed that the number of local people dying had reached a 10-year high.

His remarks followed the publication of grim statistics which showed that 20 local people lost their lives to drugs last year.

The substance which contributed to the most deaths was methadone - 11 of those who died had taken it - while heroin was involved in eight cases.

Last month, the Scottish Government announced it will carry out a review into the effectiveness of methadone - and during a debate on the issue this week, Mr McNeil said that not all drug users are 'recoverable'.

He said: "That is a horrible and hard thing to say, but some people take drugs because they enjoy them.

"They are in a particular age group, and will continue to take drugs and the top-up of methadone.

"That is the tragic reality." He added that the older generation of 'grandparent' addicts need 'radical strategies' to get clean and stop them 'soaking up money that could be used to support those who are committed to the programme'.

Mr McNeil added: "People who are on the methadone programme should be tested regularly for topping up, in order to identify their commitment, keep them safe and ensure that they are complying with the programme.

"If they are not complying and are not committed to recovery, appropriate action needs to be taken.

"If they are not committed to the programme, we cannot extend our commitment.

"The precious resources need to be shifted to ensure that those who are committed to recovery get the best treatment to ensure the best opportunity for recovery."