Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 Source: Evening Telegraph (Dundee UK) Copyright: 2006 D C Thomson & Co Ltd. Contact: http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3926 MASSIVE RISE IN DUNDEE USERS The chairman of Dundee's Drug and Alcohol Action team said today there is inadequate provision to tackle problem cocaine use in the city, writes Mark McLaughlin. As a major conference in Glasgow highlighted the need for specialist treatment services to tackle the growing problem in Scotland, Dr Brian Kidd said more needs to be done at a local level. "The figures for cocaine use are always difficult because people often don't see themselves as having a problem," said Dr Kidd. "It's more of a recreational drug and people don't usually present themselves for treatment until they start to have really serious problems. "When they do, services are inadequate as they are set up for heroin users. "Cocaine users tend to see themselves as different and may not want to attend a clinic with heroin users because of the stigma. "However, the rise in the number of people seeking treatment is probably more to do with the increased exposure to cocaine rather than increasing awareness of treatments." There has been a massive rise in the number of people seeking treatment in Dundee over the past five years. There were 31 people receiving treatment for cocaine addiction in Tayside in 2005, compared to only one in 2000. Dundee accounted for just over a third of these cases. Dr Kidd said that a more focused strategy is needed for cocaine treatment. He is hopeful that such a service may be forthcoming within the next few months. He added, "There is a new direct access service being brought to Dundee very shortly. "This will offer a drop-in service for all drug users, not just heroin addicts, and may offer a more welcoming environment to cocaine users who want help. "The clinic is funded by the Scottish Executive and hopefully it will lead to more cocaine users coming forward for treatment and, as a result, lead to a reassessment of the needs of addicts leading to more focused care." - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine