Addict parents would sign treatment contracts under the scheme

The Scottish Executive move is part of a crackdown on drug abuse, placing more emphasis on education and treatment.

Addict parents will be obliged to work closely with treatment agencies.

Under the measures, parental responsibilities towards children will be spelled out along with the consequences if parents fail.

The changes to Scotland's drugs strategy and the greater emphasis on drug prevention and education were outlined by the Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson as she addressed the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) drugs conference in Turnberry.

'Threat to communities'

The executive has also announced a review of drugs education campaigns aimed at children, in particular Know The Score, which was heavily criticised for giving young people tips on how to avoid detection.

It will roll out improved drugs education in schools, drawing on the experiences of recovered addicts and young offenders.

Ms Jamieson said: "Crime in Scotland is falling and violent crime is at its lowest level since devolution. However, illegal drugs - all illegal drugs - still represent a serious threat to our communities.

"Tackling that needs a comprehensive approach that includes uncompromising enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, support for communities suffering the effects of drugs, and prevention and education."

Supporting young people at risk was key, added Ms Jamieson, who claimed the contracts would help parents to be clear about their responsibilities.

Drugs and drugs abuse affects us all - the addicts, their families and their communities who pay the price in human misery Annabel Goldie Scottish Conservative Leader

The Scottish Conservatives have already pledged an additional �100m for drug rehabilitation services while the executive has pointed out that it has doubled the cash available to health boards for treatment.

Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie said: "Drugs and drugs abuse affects us all - the addicts, their families and their communities who pay the price in human misery; and all of us as taxpayers who have to pay the price of the crimes that feed their habit.

"It is the right choice because we need to tackle the appalling human and social costs of drug-taking in Scotland.

"But it also makes financial sense. According to the government's own figures, for every �1 spent on drugs treatment, at least �9.50 is saved in criminal justice and health costs."

The children of addicts who suffer from neglect should be society's biggest concern, added Ms Goldie. However she claimed that simply asking parents to sign contracts would not ensure success.