Courts are shunning drug treatment orders and fining addicts instead, according to new figures.
Liberal Democrats said figures showing a huge leap in convictions for drug possession, but only a tiny rise in drug treatment and test orders, should be a "wake-up call" for the Scottish Government.
The figures were given by the Scottish Government in response to parliamentary questions from Lib Dem justice spokesman Robert Brown.
These showed that last year, more than 50% of those convicted of possessing heroin were fined, but fewer than 3% were given a drug treat and testing order (DTTO).
This was against a backdrop of huge increases in convictions since 2001, he said.
That year, just 47 people were convicted of heroin possession but the number passed the 1,000 mark in 2004 and last year`s total was 1,148.
Convictions for possessing ecstasy, amphetamines and cocaine also increased sharply over the same period.
Mr Brown said: "This almost certainly points to both a successful effort by Scottish police in tracking down drug users, but also Scotland's growing drug problem."
But he added: "The most concerning finding from these figures is how many drug users are simply fined. Over 50% of heroin addicts convicted last year of possession were given a fine.
"Giving a heroin addict an average fine of £186 isn't going to stop them using drugs and nor will it stop them committing crime to feed their habit. If anything, fining heroin addicts will only prompt more crime.
"Out of the 1,148 people convicted last year of possessing heroin, only 31 DTTOs were handed down to heroin addicts. This is unacceptable. DTTOs are a far more effective way of stopping drug abuse and the circle of crime that goes with it."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "DTTOs target high-tariff offenders who tend to lead chaotic lifestyles, have a significant number of previous convictions, and might otherwise be facing a jail sentence.
"DTTOs are not appropriate for everyone who is convicted of possessing illegal drugs. There are opportunities at all stages of the criminal justice system for people to access drug treatment services."
Last updated: 21 November 2009, 14:08
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