Worthing's Recovery Lighthouse admits record numbers of addicts
It comes as Public Health England reports the highest ever alcohol and drug death tolls across the South East
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic Recovery Lighthouse in Worthing has revealed it's taken on more new clients than ever before in the last year.
Data shows that in 2021, the service, which is run by UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), admitted 226 clients into its rehab facility.
That represents a 22% rise on the numbers seen in 2017, and a staggering 17% rise just compared to 2020.
At the same time, Public Health England (PHE) has reported record numbers of people dying to drug and alcohol addiction in the South East.
Alcohol related deaths alone saw a sharp rise compared with 2017 levels, as 3,132 people lsot their lives in 2020.
Nuno Albuquerque is a Consultant Treatment Lead for Recovery Lighthouse.
He said: "We've been fighting the pandemic of addictions much before the Covid-19 pandemic came in. Budgets for substance misuse and alcohol have also been reduced throughout the years.
"If we go back 20 years ago, they (service users) could go to two rehabs to ahve two different assessments and then deicde which treatment centre they wanted to go to.
"If there was resources for that 20 years ago, it's hard to believe then that nowadays we haven't got those resources to provide.
"We are not just talking about numbers. We are talking about someone that has a family. Sons, daughters, employers, colleagues. Everyone gets affected by this.
“If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, we are here. Get in touch.”
A free 24/7 confidential live chat service for help and support with addiction is available on the Recovery Lighthouse website.