BRADFORD has the second worst crack and opiate user problem in Yorkshire according to new figures.

The numbers come from a Public Health England report on the estimated number of crack cocaine and opiate users aged between 15 and 64 years old.

Analysis by addiction treatment experts at UK Addiction Treatment (UKAT) reveals that almost 40,000 people estimated to be using both crack cocaine and opiates like heroin and opiate-based prescription drugs live across Yorkshire and the Humber, a figure that has risen by over 2,500 in four years.

Of those 4,710 are from Bradford. There were 5,550 in Leeds, the highest district figures.

The number of people living across Yorkshire and the Humber aged only 15-24 and using opiates and/or crack cocaine currently stands at almost 3,000 and is of particular concern to the addiction expert team at UKAT.

UKAT’s CEO and former addict 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."

UKAT says it is not just the younger population of Yorkshire addicted to crack and opiates. The number of people recorded as using crack and opiates aged 25-34 stands at 9,359 with a further 25,206 people hooked aged 35-64.

Mr Alexander added: “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.”

The figures do not include anyone using cocaine in powder form, amphetamines, ecstasy or cannabis.

The data is based on users identified across Yorkshire and the Humber between March 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017.