Whether low self esteem is a product of drug addiction or one of its causes, it would certainly seem a condition that goes hand in hand with the self-hurt that drug abuse ultimately amounts to.

And in view of the curse that it brings to so many lives, there will, therefore, be considerable interest in the radical new approach to drug addiction being employed by a pioneering East Lancashire charity -- as its aim is to make users feel better about themselves.

The premiss of the programme in which the Blackburn-based THOMAS -- Those on the Margins of Society -- project is taking part is that people whose confidence and optimism has been improved will be better equipped to overcome their drugs habit.

Targeted mainly at ex-prisoners, aged between 18 and 30, the scheme entails individually-tailored exercises designed to stimulate the brain and improve physical co-ordination and part of the programme involves treating participants for dyslexia.

Undeniably, it is a fresh way of confronting the vexed problem of drug abuse and it is hard to deny that those deep in the slough of misery and trapped in the vicious circle of crime, drugs and prison and beset by learning difficulties are least likely to have the strength of personality to break free -- unless they get help.

Let us hope, then, that this new form of help now being pioneered in East Lancashire does work and, certainly, this scheme deserves everyone's best wishes.