Hollywood star Ewan McGregor wants Scots heroin users to try a drug-free treatment to break the cycle of addiction.
The actor, who played Mark Renton in Trainspotting, urged the Scottish Government to investigate neuro electric therapy after narrating a documentary charting successful trials in the US.
NET was developed in the 70s by Hong Kong-based Scots surgeon Meg Patterson, whose previous patients included rock stars Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and Boy George.
It uses tiny pulses of electrical currents to stimulate brain chemicals which can ease addicts through a comfortable, pain-free withdrawal.
Drugs minister Angela Constance has dismissed the treatment claiming it is “no more effective than a placebo”.
Scotland has the worst drug-death toll in Europe and McGregor, 49, wants ministers to consider NET by watching the film he narrated called The Final Fix, following volunteers in Lexington, Kentucky.
He said: “It really seems to work. I would hope that the authorities would take notice and perhaps explore for themselves.”
Plans for the first clinic to offer the treatment in Scotland are under way with a 34-bed private unit opening this summer.
Campaigners are calling on the Scottish Government to back a proper pilot study.
Record columnist Darren McGarvey – who has battled drug issues – said: “The documentary is utterly compelling.”
Tory MSP Miles Briggs added: “I’ve implored the minister to see the documentary.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Advice previously received on NET highlighted a lack of evidence but if that changed, then we are open to looking at it again.”
