MASSIVE RISE IN DUNDEE USERS

The chairman of Dundee's Drug and Alcohol Action team said today
there is inadequate provision to tackle problem cocaine use in the
city, writes Mark McLaughlin.

As a major conference in Glasgow highlighted the need for specialist
treatment services to tackle the growing problem in Scotland, Dr
Brian Kidd said more needs to be done at a local level.

"The figures for cocaine use are always difficult because people
often don't see themselves as having a problem," said Dr Kidd.

"It's more of a recreational drug and people don't usually present
themselves for treatment until they start to have really serious problems.

"When they do, services are inadequate as they are set up for heroin users.

"Cocaine users tend to see themselves as different and may not want
to attend a clinic with heroin users because of the stigma.

"However, the rise in the number of people seeking treatment is
probably more to do with the increased exposure to cocaine rather
than increasing awareness of treatments."

There has been a massive rise in the number of people seeking
treatment in Dundee over the past five years.

There were 31 people receiving treatment for cocaine addiction in
Tayside in 2005, compared to only one in 2000. Dundee accounted for
just over a third of these cases.

Dr Kidd said that a more focused strategy is needed for cocaine treatment.

He is hopeful that such a service may be forthcoming within the next
few months.

He added, "There is a new direct access service being brought to
Dundee very shortly.

"This will offer a drop-in service for all drug users, not just
heroin addicts, and may offer a more welcoming environment to
cocaine users who want help.

"The clinic is funded by the Scottish Executive and hopefully it
will lead to more cocaine users coming forward for treatment and, as
a result, lead to a reassessment of the needs of addicts leading to
more focused care."