New figures published today by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) show that in 2007/08, over 202,000 people were recorded in drug treatment in England, an increase on the 2006/07 figures.The number of people retained in treatment for 12 weeks or more had also increased since 2006/07.
Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, commented on the statistics:
"These figures show that progress continues to be made in improving the lives of problem drug users, their families and communities. However, as the National Treatment Agency and the government acknowledge, there is no room for complacency.
"While we do need to be more ambitious for people in treatment, to claim that the system is 'failing' because a relatively small proportion of drug users leave the system 'drug free' is inaccurate.Overcoming a drug dependency can take many years and unless the complex factors which contribute to drug use are addressed, relapse is a possibility.
"The commitments in the new drug strategy to improve access to mainstream services such as housing, training and employment opportunities for drug users are welcome.The long term challenge will remain, however, to ensure that the barriers to access for people in or leaving treatment are properly addressed.
"Many DrugScope members share concerns about insufficient access to residential rehab services and more needs to be done to improve the options available for people starting the treatment journey. While there is a case for expanding residential or detox services, it is wrong to suggest that one size fits all when addressing what are often extremely complex needs."
