Turning Point comment on new young people's report from the National Treatment Agency
Commenting on a new report released today by the National Treatment Agency (NTA), which revealed less young people are being treated for heroin and crack, Turning Point’s Director of Substance Misuse Services, John Mallalieu says:
“It is good news that that there are now less young people needing treatment for hard drugs such as heroin and crack and this is certainly the case within Turning Point’s services. Of course, there is always the worry that young heroin and crack users simply aren’t accessing treatment and it is important that services carry out regular research within the local community, as we do at Turning Point SHED in Sheffield, to ensure there are not young drug users who are falling off the radar.
“Our own findings show that there is no conclusive answer as to why less young people are developing problems with heroin and crack but it seems they may now be more aware of the potential consequences of using these drugs than previous generations were. While the message seems to have sunken in with young people that heroin and crack are addictive and harmful substances, the fact that more young people are drinking tells us that similar cultural messages for alcohol are not sinking in.
In 2008, heroin was responsible for around 900 deaths, whereas alcohol was attributed to nearly 8,500. Quite simply, greater resource is needed to ensure that England’s next generation of drinkers are taught of the dangers of alcohol, and change their behaviour before it is too late.”
For more information regarding the NTA and their new report on young people, visit http://www.nta.nhs.uk (opens in new window)
For more information please contact:
Sarah Creighton
Turning Point Press Office
020 7481 7632