The Eastern Health Board achieved a major expansion of drug services between 1995 and 2000. Over 4000 individuals had availed of methadone treatment by October 1999. Over 50 treatment sites were established in hospitals and satellite clinics. Satellite clinics informally reported rates of up to 40% plus returning to work, substantially higher than the international standard of 30%.

A need was identified that coordinators develop to support level I GPs in order to increase capacity of the treatment service. Methods were examined to decrease the contact time for clients and allow a greater throughput of clients. The need for a needle exchange programme was identified. The need for a community based treatment programme was identified, emphasis to be placed on providing advice and treatment for a variety of drugs of abuse.