In an online news report, Channel Four News has highlighted the growing concern over the increasing number of people seeking help for addiction to powder cocaine, as reported in the NTA publication “Powder cocaine: how the treatment system is responding to a growing problem“ - the largest ever study into the effectiveness of treatment for powder cocaine dependency in England - published by the NTA on 1 March.

Paul Hayes, Chief Executive, spoke to Channel Four and explained that “cocaine is becoming normalised. Significant numbers of people see drugs as an adjunct to their Saturday night entertainment, alongside their use of alcohol.”

And former cocaine addict, Keith Briscomb, told of his experience with addiction. He was making good money in a sales position but soon developed a habit that cost him up to £1,000 a week. When the recession hit, it drove him, like many others, to seek drug treatment.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has also now written to the Home Secretary about a review of the drug.

View the news report.