Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

More calls for rehab than ever before

- BY OLIVER CLAY

ADRUG and alcohol rehab centre based in Runcorn has warned that it is receiving more calls for help than ever before after its prediction­s the coronaviru­s pandemic would worsen addictions came true.

Oasis Recovery on Bridge Street, which is run by the UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), said its own workload peaked like never before as Public Health England reported the highest number of substance-related deaths across the North West over the same period.

The centre said its fears that the Government’s “stay home” safety message would result in people struggling to treat their addictions have come to pass.

A UKAT spokeswoma­n said Oasis Recovery admitted 451 clients in 2021 – about four times the 115 people with addiction problems who checked in during 2015, and the figure was up 6.4% from 2020 when 424 clients sought help.

The spokeswoma­n said last year’s high figure reflected general regional trends, with a record number of addicts undergoing residentia­l rehab for problems ranging from drink and drugs to prescripti­on drugs, gaming, gambling and sex addiction.

Nuno Albuquerqu­e, Oasis Recovery

Runcorn consultant treatment lead, said drug workers predicted that problems would deteriorat­e as those who needed help instead had to stay away.

He said: “We said all throughout 2020 that although the pandemic was frightenin­g and uncertain, one thing remained unchanged: that addiction would not stop, and that if those who were struggling then didn’t get access to the help they needed, their situation would ultimately worsen.

“We’re seeing off the chart calls for help from people whose lives have been turned upside down by addiction, which is why we’re admitting more people than ever before.” UKAT’s spokeswoma­n said detailed analysis of recent PHE data showed that since 2016, alcoholrel­ated death rates across the North West have risen from 3,009 in 2016 to 3,247 in 2020, an 8% hike.

Similarly, drug-related mortality for the region showed a 32% rise, from 587 drug poisoning deaths in 2016 to 771 recorded in 2020.

Mr Albuquerqu­e said: “It saddens us to know that mothers, fathers, grandparen­ts, neighbours and friends lose their lives to addiction when there is help available that could save them.

“More people than ever lost their lives to drugs and alcohol in 2020, but thankfully, we’re seeing more people than ever now asking for help.

“If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, we are here. “Get in touch.”

A free 24-seven confidenti­al live chat service for help with addiction is available at Oasis Recovery’s website or search online for a variety of substance-related support.

 ?? ?? ● Kate Thistleton visited Sandymoor, inset, for a workshop on storytelli­ng
● Kate Thistleton visited Sandymoor, inset, for a workshop on storytelli­ng
 ?? ?? ● Oasis Recovery; inset, Nuno Albuquerqu­e
● Oasis Recovery; inset, Nuno Albuquerqu­e
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