For a long time now, drug addiction is one of the most serious problems that the world is facing. Although there are times when the number of users decreases, it does not change the fact that there are still so many drug abuse cases across the world. In fact, in Preston, the number of middle-aged drug addicts is on the rise. This is an alarming problem as these people, being middle-aged, are at a higher risk of developing different diseases.
Public Health England data reveals there was 36 percent more heroin and crack cocaine addicts aged 35 to 64 in 2016-17 compared to the number in 2010-11, an estimated 4,927 users compared to 3,576. The figures for Lancashire echo the national findings. In England, there is now estimated to be more than 200,000 opiate and crack cocaine users aged 35 to 64.
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The number rose by 39 per cent in the six years to 2016/17.
In contrast, the number of 15- to 34-year-olds using the drugs fell by 27 per cent, to 113,785.
In Lancashire, there was a 36 per cent drop in people aged 25 to 34 using crack cocaine and heroin, and a drop of 37 per cent for people in the 15 to 24 year age bracket.
Many people who have been taking heroin or crack for decades will now face a higher risk of overdose or major health problems, according to Steve Moffatt, of alcohol, drugs and mental health charity Addaction.
