MORE than 2,000 people were in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services in Barnsley last year, the latest figures have revealed.
Statistics from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show 2,025 people accessed treatment in the year to March – an increase on 1,630 people the year before.
Across England, over 310,800 adults were in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services last year, up seven per cent from 2022/23.
It was the largest rise in adults in treatment since 2008/09, and the highest number since 2009/10.
Those with problems with opiates remained the largest substance group, accounting for 44 per cent of adults in treatment.
In Barnsley, adults struggling with opiates also made up 44 per cent of those in treatment.
Clare Taylor, chief operating officer at drug treatment provider Turning Point, said the increase in people accessing treatment is a ‘positive step forward’.
She added: “There is still much more to do to reduce stigma and address barriers people face in accessing treatment services and we must do all we can to work on these areas and ensure more people who need help can access it.
“With the rise in drug-related deaths, and increased risks due to the emergence of synthetic opioids, there has never been a more critical time for specialist services to provide innovative, evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services.”
