MORE people are getting hooked on heroin than any other drug. Last year calls to Drug Concern for help with heroin addiction more than doubled.

The number of needles and syringes being exchanged as part of the harm-reduction programme was slashed by almost 60% last year.

And the local charity believes that progress is being made to detect and help users.

‘The fact that we had significantly more contacts with heroin users in 2003 compared to 2002 can be a good thing if it is for the right reasons,’ said Drug Concern manager Tracey Rear.

Last year there were 588 contacts with drug-users compared with just 419 the year before.

In 2002 the charity received 150 contacts from heroin addicts while in 2003 that figure jumped to 307.

‘While it may indicate an increase in use, in fact we believe that it shows that more people are deciding to engage with us; therefore we are having more sessions and helping more people, which has to be a good thing.’

Last year 2,824 needles and syringes were exchanged compared to 6,894 in 2002.

‘This decrease could be bad news if we thought people were using and not coming forward for help,’ said Miss Rear.

‘But our research indicates that the people who are using are coming forward and therefore the figures are very good indeed, indicating a drop in use.’

She added that the reductions, which indicated a decline in use, were due to the success of treatment within the criminal justice drug service and the increased numbers accessing Drug Concern for treatment.

A new outreach needle-exchange programme is being considered.

The latest figures also show an increase in the number of contacts relating to cannabis during 2003.

‘The doubling of our contacts may also be due to the new justice programme whereby offenders have to contact us because it is part of the order they have received,’ said Miss Rear.

The combined initiative between the Probation Service and Drug Concern means that a worker supports individuals leaving the justice system and returning to the community in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.

Last year’s figures also showed a reduction in contacts made by islanders addicted to prescribed drugs, LSD, Ecstasy, cocaine/crack and amphetamine.

Miss Rear was encouraged by the figures that reflected a significant reduction in the use of prescribed drugs and LSD.

But she remained unsure whether the reduction in prescribed drugs was due to the charity’s awareness campaign or the increased availability of drugs such as heroin.

In 2003 Drug Concern carried out more group work, assessments, advice and counselling than in the previous year.

The figures indicate a shift in those seeking help and possibly the types of drug user in the island.

While the number of 31-50 year-olds seeking help increased by 50% last year and contacts of 21-33-year-olds also increased, the number of 16-21-year-olds seeking help declined.

Miss Rear said that the drug education partnership continued to be successful and had been extended to all secondary schools. Drug Concern would continue to offer support to Dads and Mums Against Drugs.