Budget cuts are affecting front line rehabilitation services

Cuts in drug rehabilitation services are condemned by leading health groups and charities.

Services such as education in schools, support for professionals working in the drug rehab field and help for young addicts fighting substance abuse are seeing severe cutbacks.

Health experts are warning that the cuts could turn back the inroads into drug abuse by 10 years.

Young addicts are finding it harder to get help says DrugScope, an independent drugs monitoring body. Young peoples’ treatment services have already had to close in London and some major treatment providers are finding that local authority cuts can be up to 50%.

The Lifeline Project is warning that long term social and economic costs will far outweigh the short term benefits of budget cuts now.