18/10/2007

Drug Users Getting Treatment

More than 195,000 drug users are now receiving treatment, according to figures released by the Department of Health.

The data, compiled by the National Treatment Agency, shows that three out of four people accessing treatment are being retained for at least 12 weeks. There has also been an increase in the proportion of those completing treatment or being retained from treatment, rising from 76% in 2005/06 to 80% in 2006/07.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "These figures released today are a remarkable achievement and I would like to thank all NHS staff or service users for their contribution to the step change that has been made.

"We have made massive strides in tackling the harm that drugs cause to both individuals and society as a whole. Through the Drug Strategy we will continue to ensure that effective drug treatment is available to those who need it.

"These improvements have attained substantial benefits to society, with the saving of lives and a reduction in the victims of drug-related crime. We have seen a 20% reduction in drug related crime and have stopped the sharp increases in drug related deaths that were identified in the 1990s."

(KMcA)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
27 February 2008
Government Announces New Drugs Strategy
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled the Government's new 10-year drugs strategy.
21 June 2006
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
18 November 2003
Drug addict treatment programme expanded
A scheme to get drug-using criminals into treatment and away from the cycle of crime and drug addiction is being expanded to 36 new areas, the government announced today.