Addiction specialists have warned of an "alarming" estimated number of teens currently addicted to crack cocaine and opiates living in south-east London, according to a recent Public Health England report.

Latest figures from the national health body have revealed that between March of 2016 to March of 2017, an estimated 5,757 individuals were actively addicted to both crack cocaine opiates in south-east London.

This shows a decrease of 425 compared to the previous estimate recorded between 2014 to 2015.

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Broken down borough-by-borough, Lewisham was the worst affected area with an estimated 2,285 addicts thought to be regularly taking the dangerous substances. 419 were aged between 15 and 24.

Greenwich had the second highest estimate with 1,574 addicts, with 329 of these falling within the 15 to 24 age bracket.

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Bromley had an estimated 1,130 addicts actively using both drugs with 134 of these falling within the younger age category.

Bexley had the least amount of estimated addicts with 768 reportedly living in the borough in the same time period. 143 of these were in the younger age bracket.

Speaking on the shocking figures, CEO of the UK Addiction Treatment centres (UKAT) Eytan Alexander said: "Public Health England’s data clearly shows that an alarming number of teenagers and young adults are addicted to these incredibly potent substances.

"They’re seeking the feeling of euphoria at pocket money prices- crack rocks can be purchased for as little as a fiver with dealers available any time of day at the click of a button.

"Teenagers misusing crack and opiates at such an early age will not only suffer with the physical effects of the drugs, but the drugs could impact their education, overall achievement in life and expose them to a criminal environment at a young age, without full understanding of the risks and consequences of their actions.

"The impact of a person misusing these drugs in later life has a knock-on effect on their family, children, spouses as well as their own personal health, which will deteriorate at a much faster pace if drug use continues, and for some, will prove fatal."

What is being done?

Lewisham

Responding to these figures, a spokesman from Lewisham Council said: "Drug addiction is a serious health issue, which also has wider societal impacts.

"We at the Council will always support our residents to provide them with the support and advice they may need.

"We closely monitor changing trends in substance misuse, including PHE data and through work with local partners.

"As well as prevention efforts across the Council and our partners, we commission a range of services to try to address the issues involved, including community based services, residential rehabilitation and detoxification, and an integrated young people’s health and wellbeing services."

Greenwich

On behalf of Greenwich council, Cabinet Member for Adult's Social Care, Health and Anti-Poverty Cllr Averil Lekau said: "Royal Greenwich is committed to continuing to provide support for substance abuse; we offer a number of free and confidential drug and alcohol services for anyone who would like support within the borough.

"For information on how to access local treatment and support services email Aspire Greenwich at Greenwichaspire@cgl.org.uk or call 0208 316 0116."

Bexley

When asked to comment on these figures, a Bexley council spokeswoman said: "It is important to note that these are estimated figures calculated by Public Health England produced by cross-referencing data from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System, the National Probation Service and the Police National Computer.

Bexley remodelled it’s adult substance misuse treatment system in 2016/17 with a new integrated system launching in July 2017.

"There is significant overlap between those using opiates, crack cocaine, alcohol and other substances and the integrated treatment system in place in Bexley addresses a full range of treatment needs for all drug and alcohol users.

"Treatment outcomes in Bexley are in the top quartile of comparative boroughs, demonstrating the continued drive to address this issue locally.

"Bexley has the lowest estimated number of opiate users per 1,000 population in London - excluding City of London.

"There has been a decrease in the estimated number of crack users in London and this trend is followed in Bexley.

"Bexley has the fourth lowest estimated number of crack users per 1,000 population in London - excluding City of London.

Bromley

Bromley Council has been contacted for a comment.