A RISE in the misuse of prescription drugs, including some over-the-counter medication available at pharmacies, has led a Bradford drug treatment charity to extend its services.

The Bridge Project has re-designed its Adult Service and Stimulant Service, extending the treatment and recovery programmes offered to new groups of individuals. The new service, called the Unity Change Programme, is aimed at tackling the use, addiction and dependency of cannabis and hallucinogenic drugs; stimulant drugs; novel psychoactive substances (legal highs); over-the-counter medicines and addictions to medicines.

Kristin Rothert, head of clinical standards and quality at Bridge, said the new services are tailored to meet the needs of a diverse group of service users requiring differing assessment processes, treatments and care pathways.

Earlier this year the Telegraph & Argus reported concerns about a black market in prescription drugs in Bradford. The drugs are largely bought on the internet, but some are obtained from GPs by patients who embellish conditions to receive prescriptions for medication they later sell, swap or hand over to others.

Some drugs are taken from a course of medication prescribed to a family member or partner, obtained and consumed by someone else within the home. Drugs are also passed on by addicts taking prescribed medication in recovery. One former addict told the T&A that methadone, taken under supervision, is sometimes regurgitated then passed on mouth-to-mouth.

Bryan Dent, West Yorkshire Police Force drugs co-ordinator, said the rise in prescription drugs in Bradford followed a national trend. He said it was largely a hidden problem and difficult to police.

"A fair percentage of people get medication from friends, who have often obtained it from their GP. A lot of the handing out takes place in a domestic setting, it's hidden behind a cloak of anonymity," he told the T&A. "People don't realise how dangerous these drugs can be, in the wrong hands, and how quickly they can become addicted to them."

Prescription drugs are obtained illegally either to take or sell, or both. Often they are taken by drug users to top up their own consumption, or sold.

Among the most commonly used of these drugs are diazepam, tramadol, benzodiazepine and some anti-depressants. Legal highs, which can be bought over the internet and in some shops, include 'Black Mamba' and 'Annihilation', with code names 'Bath Salts' or 'Plant food' given for others.

A Bradford pharmacist also highlighted the dangers of some over-the-counter medication, such as painkillers, antihistamines and sleep aids, which can become addictive.

Ms Rothert said Bridge has dealt with a significant rise in prescription drug abuse in recent years. She said the extended service met a gap in the needs of people "who aren't going to see themselves as drug addicts".

"Some are in fulltime employment, holding down active lives, and they don't realise that they have become addicted," she added. "People don't realise how quickly these drugs can become addictive, and they don't always know what they're getting - when something is obtained on the internet often it's synthetic, not what you'd get from a pharmaceutical company. With legal highs, one could be a stimulant and another could have a hallucinogenic effect.

"We are extending our treatment provision to include legal highs, which can be obtained from the internet, prescription medication and over-the-counter medication."

Ms Rothert said Bridge has received requests for help from people on over-the-counter substances such as cocodamol and Feminax. "If people have concerns or start to feel uncomfortable about medication, or have symptoms such as diahorrea, sweating and cramps that's a good sign that they have become addicted," she said.

The new service will follow structured sessions with individuals and their own workers. "The emphasis will be on helping people to maintain a drug-free lifestyle," said Ms Rothert. "Through peer-led support groups and activities we introduce service-users to people who have been addicts and have come through it."

Bridge is also working with GPs on reducing prescriptions of medication such as tramadol, and is targeting pharmacies by inviting chemists to learn about the new treatment programme.

The Unity Recovery Centre on Manningham Lane, which is part of Bridge, offers groups and activities designed to help people achieve and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Specialist support helps them reduce medication and deal with underlying issues, and there is a strong network of recovery programmes and support groups.

* For more about Bridge Project services call (01274) 723863.