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Drug treatment funds review urged Drug treatment funds review urged
(2 days later)
Drugs support experts in southern Scotland have said a funding review could be needed for treatment services.Drugs support experts in southern Scotland have said a funding review could be needed for treatment services.
Dumfries and Galloway has one of the highest levels of drug users per thousand population in the country.Dumfries and Galloway has one of the highest levels of drug users per thousand population in the country.
However, treatment funding levels for drugs and alcohol abuse are among the lowest in mainland Scotland.However, treatment funding levels for drugs and alcohol abuse are among the lowest in mainland Scotland.
Jim Parker of Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Action Team said the statistics underlined the need to examine the situation in the region.Jim Parker of Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Action Team said the statistics underlined the need to examine the situation in the region.
Audit Scotland figures show the region had 25 drug users per 1,000 population - a rate only exceeded by Greater Glasgow.Audit Scotland figures show the region had 25 drug users per 1,000 population - a rate only exceeded by Greater Glasgow.
However, NHS and council funding for drugs and alcohol services runs at just £16 per person in Dumfries and Galloway.However, NHS and council funding for drugs and alcohol services runs at just £16 per person in Dumfries and Galloway.
Lower spendLower spend
That is the second lowest level in mainland Scotland with only the Borders spending less.That is the second lowest level in mainland Scotland with only the Borders spending less.
Mr Parker, a substance misuse lead officer, said the scale of the problem in Dumfries and Galloway would be taken to the local council and NHS.Mr Parker, a substance misuse lead officer, said the scale of the problem in Dumfries and Galloway would be taken to the local council and NHS.
"I think the rural areas have traditionally had a lower spend than the more concentrated population areas," he said."I think the rural areas have traditionally had a lower spend than the more concentrated population areas," he said.
"We are a low spending area in terms of drugs and we have a high prevalence in terms of usage."We are a low spending area in terms of drugs and we have a high prevalence in terms of usage.
"That is something I feel we need to address and bring to elected members and alert the NHS board about.""That is something I feel we need to address and bring to elected members and alert the NHS board about."