This Merseyside addiction rehab says it has admitted more addicts than ever before

Therapists beg people to ask for help as latest drug and alcohol death toll higher than ever

A North West drug and alcohol rehab facility- Oasis Recovery in Runcorn- has revealed it’s treatment admissions for last year were the highest they’ve had since 2015 whilst at the same time, Public Health England reveals highest ever alcohol and drug death tolls across the region.

Data shared shows that last year, Oasis Recovery Runcorn, ran by the UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), admitted 451 clients into its residential rehabilitation facility.

In the last six years, admissions have nearly quadrupled when just 115 addicts checked in to the rehab in 2015.

Last year, addicts from across the region admitted into the rehab for a range of addiction types, including alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs and behavioural disorders like gaming, gambling and sex addiction, resulting in the highest number of annual admissions on record.

This figure is up 7% from 424 in 2020, the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, when therapists here warned that the Government’s ‘stay home’ message would exacerbate the addiction crisis.

Nuno Albuquerque, Consultant Treatment Lead for Oasis Recovery Runcorn comments:

“We said all throughout 2020 that although the pandemic was frightening and uncertain, one thing remained unchanged; that addiction would not stop, and that if those who were struggling then didn’t get access to the help they needed, their situation would ultimately worsen.

“We’re seeing off the chart calls for help from people whose lives have been turned upside down by addiction, which is why we’re admitting more people than ever before.”

UKAT’s detailed analysis of recent Public Health England data shows that since 2016, alcohol-related mortality rates across the North West have risen from 3,009 in 2016 to 3,247 in 2020, an 8% hike.

Similarly, their analysis of recent drug related death data for the region shows a 32% rise, from 587 drug poisoning deaths in 2016 to 771 recorded in 2020.

Nuno Albuquerque continues:

“It saddens us to know that mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbours and friends lose their lives to addiction when there is help available that could save them. More people than ever lost their lives to drugs and alcohol in 2020, but thankfully, we’re seeing more people than ever now asking for help.

“If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, we are here. Get in touch.”