South West Public Health Observatory
	The impact of drug misuse on health in the South West, 1996-2001

Conclusions

This report describes the substantial increase in problem drug misuse in the South West Region in recent years. Despite the difficulties in terms of distinguishing drug use from drug misuse problems, and the incomplete and inconsistent nature of available information, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the region has serious drug misuse problems. For the most part these are consistent with the national picture, with the growth in numbers of problem users notified to the Regional Drug Misuse Database, deaths and infectious diseases, proportional to population. There are exceptions, with some areas having higher than expected drug-related deaths, and the region as a whole a higher proportion of hepatitis C cases.

Within the South West, as expected, the larger urban areas, in particular the Avon conurbation, have the highest concentrations of drug misuse problems, but the problems are widespread. Drug services are likely to face a considerable growth of chronic problem drug misusers over the next few years, requiring long-term treatment. The South West has a high concentration of private residential rehabilitation facilities, and substantial numbers of problem drug misusers enter the region for treatment. How many are resettled in the South West, their treatment outcomes and subsequent need for local service support, would seem to require further investigation.

There is a case for the development of clear protocols with regard to the provision of drug related information, and need for consistency regarding the evaluation and audit of drug agencies. Further work is required to achieve a clear picture on the effects of problem drug misuse on families and children, and links with social deprivation.

This report clearly demonstrates that drug misuse has a significantly detrimental impact on health across the community, with direct and indirect effects across the life span.

Finally, the information contained in the report will hopefully be of assistance to service planners and DATs, whose task it is to formulate plans to meet the current needs for specialised drug services, and find ways to encourage young people to find alternatives to the risks inherent in drug use.