AS treatment providers get a grip on helping heroin addicts, the struggle to eradicate the harmful affects of drugs is turning to those hooked on cocaine, ketamine and legal highs.

The number of addicts aged between 25-34-years-old and getting intense treatment for their habit has risen from 38% to 49% in just three years. But the number of youngsters getting help is down from 7% in 2010/11 to only 3% in 2011/12 - significantly lower than the 9.8% average in the South East.

Vikki Lake, operations manager at Turning Point Slough, believes this is because recreational drugs on nights out, such as cocaine and cannabis, are becoming the drugs of choice for the new generation.

“The problems we are now facing are more with recreational drug users aged under 35,” she said. “They might not recognise it’s a problem. Maybe they take a Monday off work and put it down to a hangover after a night out. But just because you are a casual user it doesn’t mean you can’t access help. We can support you.” Our investigation last week uncovered the true extent of cocaine use in Slough with seven out of nine public toilets testing positive for traces of the drug. And Miss Lake added: “The drug of choice is changing. The numbers of entrenched heroin patients are reducing. We are successfully treating heroin users, they are going into recovery and exiting successfully. The problems we now face are with recreational drug users.” Turning Point is a national charity which is commissioned by the local authority to run services for those affected by drug or alcohol use. It runs services for adults and under 18s, which include one-to-one drop-in advice, group support and support with tenancies.

Anyone with an addiction is urged to visit the centre where they can talk about their habit with experts, and find out how the service can help. Those requiring particularly intense treatment, after an assessment, could then be referred on to CRI for substance abuse support. It is run from the same building in Slough High Street.

Miss Lake, who has worked at the service for five years in May, has dealt with addicts of 30 years to binge drinkers and knows only too well the devastating affects. “The biggest problem is it affecting social relationships with family,” she added. “Family members often don’t know how to deal with it and where to go. It [drug addiction] also has huge health issues and we work closely with GP surgeries and have someone based at A&E. We also have a reintegration worker who can help addicts start their lives again and reintegrate back into the community.” For more information: Drop in at Maple House, 95 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DH Call 01753 692 548 Or visit www.turning-point.co.uk www.turning-point.co.uk/slough-lasar.aspx www.turning-point.co.uk/slough-young-persons-service.aspx