Thousands in Hertfordshire face alcohol problems without treatment
A county council report shows rising demand for drug and alcohol recovery services
Around 9,300 Hertfordshire residents are estimated to be dependent on alcohol, but just one in four is accessing treatment.
Meanwhile, 3,700 county residents are believed to use opiates and/or crack cocaine, with just two in five estimated to be receiving treatment.
The data was presented to the latest meeting of the county council’s public health and community safety cabinet panel, as councillors reviewed plans to recommission drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.
According to the report, local need remains “significant”, with increasing demand from children and young people.
And it says more than half of the young people accessing treatment have identified alcohol as a “substance of concern” – with cannabis the “most commonly reported drug”.
“Local need remains significant,” says the report.
“It is estimated that approximately 9,300 adults in Hertfordshire are dependent on alcohol, with around 75% not currently accessing treatment.
“In 20223/24, 1,451 adults received alcohol treatment.
“Approximately 3,700 people are estimated to use opiates and/or crack cocaine, of whom 59% are not currently receiving treatment.
“In 20223/24, 2,868 adults accessed structured drug treatment services.
“Demand from children and young people has also increased.
“More than half of young people accessing treatment identify alcohol as a substance of concern, whilst cannabis remains the most commonly reported drug among young people receiving support.
“Drug and alcohol harms are frequently linked to wider challenges including mental ill health, homelessness, safeguarding concerns, family adversity, involvement with the criminal justice system and broader health inequalities.”