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Drug abuse at an all-time high
A record number of people in the Wigan borough are being treated for drug and alcohol problems.
More than 1,480 people are in treatment for drug misuse, according to figures from Wigan Council.
'Problematic drug users' are also at a record high, with almost 1,230 people receiving treatment for heroin or crack cocaine addiction.
Pat Keane, drug and alcohol business manager for Wigan Council, said: "The numbers have increased year-on-year because we're offering more treatment services to people affected by drugs.
"We feel that we have the majority of users in the area in treatment now, but we mustn't be complacent. We can still offer a great deal of help."
Wigan Council's drug and alcohol support team offers specialist health care to address the effects and consequences of substance misuse.
Drug users can receive advice and support including health assessments, talking therapies, links to housing support, mental health services and other local support services.
From April 2008 to January 2009, 590 new cases in the borough were admitted for treatment to help overcome drug and alcohol problems.
The National Treatment Agency (NTA) this week revealed more young people in Britain were seeking treatment for drug and alcohol problems.
Figures from the NTA show young people are now more likely to be addicted to 'party drugs' like cocaine and ecstasy than other hard drugs.
The number of 13 to 24-year-olds addicted to traditional 'hard' drugs like heroin has fallen.
Mr Keane added: "There appears to be a trend of young people using powder cocaine as though it's similar to alcohol."
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
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