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More than 3,600 residents across Wirral have been supported by drug and alcohol recovery services, with the borough seeing record progress in helping people turn their lives around, according to the Birkenhead News.
The latest update on the Wirral Drugs Strategy is set to be presented to the council's Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on June 9. It highlights what officials describe as strong progress in helping people access treatment and recover from addiction.
The figures show that 955 people completed treatment over the past year, thanks to the programmes in place. What's even greater is that 445 people have moved into employment, education, or volunteering as part of their recovery.
For those treated, 86 percent were treated for over three months, more than the national average of 82 percent. Still, that 4 percent difference shows the dedicated treatment across the Wirral.
Progress is also apparent in harm reduction. Drug-related deaths are falling, and more than 1,500 naloxone kits, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, were distributed across Wirral.
The update highlights the work being carried out through the Wirral Drugs Strategy, a partnership involving the council, health services, police, and community organisations.
As well as decreasing drug use and harm, the strategy shows progress in supporting those leaving prison. Stats show that around 70 to 80 percent are in treatment within three weeks of release, again beating the national average. If you're wondering, that's only at 56 percent.
Looking ahead, the strategy aims to reach more people not currently in treatment and strengthen support around emerging issues, including the growing use of ketamine.
We applaud the work of local drug and addiction treatment programmes, and hope to see more reductions across the Wirral.
