Record number of teens seek medical help for cocaine use

According to a new report from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA), people aged 18 to 24 now account for a third of all those in England seeking treatment for cocaine addiction.

Last year, over 3,000 18 to 24-year-olds sought treatment for cocaine use, with another 745 users under the age of 18. This is nearly double the number who sought treatment in 2005-2006.

More and more young people are seeking treatment for cocaine use Over 60% of all cocaine users seeking treatment remain abstinent six months after completing their treatment, the NTA says. However, the most recent British Crime Survey estimates there are 437,000 people aged 16 to 24 in England and Wales who have used cocaine in the past year. The survey says the number of 16 to 24-year-olds to have used cocaine in the past year rose from 5.1% to 6.6% - the highest percentage of users yet. The Class A drug is no longer seen as the preserve of the celebrity classes and can be brought on most city streets for "pocket money" prices, starting as little as £15 a bag. Only cannabis and alcohol are more popular, while the use of designer dance drugs like ecstasy is falling.

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