Crack cocaine and opiate user in Cheshire revealed

In a report published by Public Health England, it’s been revealed that almost 50,000 people are estimated to be using both crack cocaine and opiates in the North West.

The data is based on users identified across the North West between March 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017 and shows an increase in numbers of over 3,000.

Cheshire West and Chester have the most users at 1,806 with Cheshire East at 1,398. In total the regions had almost 5,000 crack cocaine users, when including Warrington and Halton.

The figures don’t include anyone using cocaine in powder form, amphetamines, ecstasy or cannabis.

CEO of UK Addiction Treatment and former addict Eytan Alexander said: “Public Health England’s data clearly shows that an alarming number of teenagers and young adults are addicted to these incredibly potent substances. They’re seeking the feeling of euphoria at pocket money prices- crack rocks can be purchased for as little as a fiver with dealers available any time of day at the click of a button. Teenagers misusing crack and opiates at such an early age will not only suffer with the physical effects of the drugs, but the drugs could impact their education, overall achievement in life and expose them to a criminal environment at a young age, without full understanding of the risks and consequences of their actions.”