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ACCE use in the north west of England: the changing profile of drug users engaged in treatment and its implications for future provision
Ayesha Hurst, NDTMS Liaison Manager (North West), Centre for Public Health, LIverpool John Moores University
Abstract
Drug treatment services are currently dominated by individuals presenting with heroin related problems. Nationally, the majority of individuals in drug treatment during 2007/08 stated the problematic use of heroin, usually as their primary problematic drug. However, there is evidence that non opiate ACCE (alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy) use is becoming increasingly prevalent amongst younger drug treatment clients. The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) in the North West of England was used to analyse the demographic profile, referral sources in, and the exit status of, individuals in treatment stating ACCE drugs and alcohol as a problematic substance to determine whether ACCE clients were a distinct group when compared to opiate users.
Analysis revealed a growing, distinct group of ACCE users who did not state opiates as a problematic drug. These clients were significantly younger, referred via different referral routes and accessing different types of treatment to opiate users. In terms of needs assessment, treatment planning and service development, commissioners need to be aware of the growing use of ACCE drugs and alcohol amongst their younger service users and the potential increase in demand for non-prescribing interventions of treatment as patterns of drug use shift from opiate use to ACCE substances. Analysis of national data indicates that the North West may provide an 'early warning' of a phenomenon which is beginning to impact on the whole of the country. This changing profile will have a significant impact on many aspects of the current drug treatment system.
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Biography
I am the North West NDTMS liaison manager, based at the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University. The NDTMS North West dataset is a rich source of information on the profile and drug use of those all those in contact with drug treatment.
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