STEPS should be taken to tackle the rising problem of drug dependency, a treatment firm warns, in light of figures revealing the number of crack cocaine and opiate addicts in the east of England.

More than 27,500 people were estimated to be using both crack cocaine and opiates between March 2016 and 2017, a figure which has risen by more than 5,500 in just five years, UK Addiction Treatment (UKAT) found.

Public Health England's latest drug prevalence report for people aged between 15 and 64, estimates there were 3,116 crack cocaine and opiate adult users in Essex, 1,131 in Southend and 742 in Thurrock.

This excludes people using cocaine in powder form, amphetamines, ecstasy and cannabis.

Eytan Alexander, a former addict and chief executive officer of UKAT, which operates a treatment centre in Halstead, said: "Public Health England’s data clearly shows an alarming number of teenagers and young adults are addicted to these incredibly potent substances.

“They’re seeking the feeling of euphoria at pocket money prices. Crack rocks can be purchased for as little as a fiver with dealers available any time of day at the click of a button.

“Teenagers misusing crack and opiates at such an early age will not only suffer with the physical effects of the drugs, but the drugs could impact their education, overall achievement in life and expose them to a criminal environment at a young age, without full understanding of the risks and consequences of their actions.”

Fifteen to 24-year-olds using these drugs stands at 2,787 and there are an estimated 8,000 25 to 34-year-olds.

Mr Alexander said: “The impact of a person misusing these drugs in later life has a knock-on effect on their family, children, spouses as well as their own personal health, which will deteriorate at a much faster pace if drug use continues, and for some, will prove fatal.

"Steps should be taken in order to tackle the rising problem of drug dependency through investing in early intervention and prevention strategies across schools, colleges and universities to highlight the dangers and risks with drug abuse before a problem can manifest.

"Similarly, as well as working to stop drug dependency developing in the first place, it's also vital to ensure sufficient treatment services are in place to support those who have a problem today.

"Councils should also start to invest instead of slashing budgets to public substance misuse service."