DRUG addicts in Worcester were left without a vital dose of methadone for 48 hours, because of an administrative blunder, they claim.

And at least one recovering addict turned back to heroin.

Around 20 were expecting to pick up their prescribed drug on Tuesday, May 7, an ex-drug user explained.

But the 26-year-old, who has asked not to be named, said because of the Bank Holiday weekend their weekly prescriptions did not arrive at the relevant chemists until the Thursday afternoon, that week.

He claims the blunder forced at least one sufferer to turn back to heroin while he and others desperately battled to stay clean.

"We used to pick up our prescriptions from Newtown Hospital and never had any problem," he said.

"But since the service went to The Fish, in Fish Street, we have had no end of problems.

"I have been clean of heroin for two-and-a-half years.

"It is a struggle I'm determined to win. But when the system falls short because of blunders like this it makes the battle all the more difficult."

After finding his vital prescription had not arrived he went to visit a GP at the Community Drug Team (CDT) offices in The Fish to administer another prescription for drugs. But no doctor was on site for users and he claims the only advice he was given was to find a doctor to prescribe the drug.

"I understand this was an administrative mistake but recommending someone to see another doctor does not mean you are guaranteed to get the methadone," he said.

"I really think the contingency back-up plans need thinking through."

Most methadone users pick up their two-weeks' worth of prescription on a Tuesday, where they are given a one-week supply.

As this is only administered on a Tuesday, even if the prescription arrives a day late, it cannot be handed over by law.

A family friend of another addict, who also did not want to be named, also complained about the system.

She branded the service "an absolute shambles".

Manager of substance misuse services in Worcestershire, Chris Brazil, said no complaints had been made directly to the service.

"It was an unfortunate situation where we had a doctor off sick and that coincided with another two having planned leave," he said.

"We could not anticipate that. It's a very complex thing having to manage lots of prescriptions - although we are endeavouring to get more medical input."

Mr Brazil added that he was unable to discuss individual people because of confidentiality.