THE real battle to contain the drugs explosion in Bolton is not taking place in the courtrooms, and the solution will not be found in a police station cells.

The reality is that the war is being fought grimly in counselling rooms and clinics throughout the town.

It is in these rooms that the war will be won or lost. Bolton boasts a variety of groups and organisations determined to help the town's unfortunate drug users. A SMALL team of experts are the frontline workers in Bolton's battle to contain the escalating epidemic of drug misuse.

The busy members of the town's Community Drug Team provide an invaluable service by offering counselling and support to drug users and their families.

The team is based at its new premises on 26-26a Higher Bridge Street, on the outskirts of the town centre. It is part of Bolton Community Healthcare NHS Trust and is funded by Wigan and Bolton Health Authority.

The refurbished building boasts the best facilities of any centre of its kind in the region. It has a waiting area, five counselling rooms, shower facilities, training room, administration offices, a surgery and a needle exchange clinic.

The dedicated team members see at first hand the misery and heartache drug misuse brings to people of all ages.

"The stereotype drug user does not exist," said co-ordinator Gary Oulds. " They come in all shapes and sizes and from numerous backgrounds.

"A lot of people use drugs for recreational reasons often without too many problems. Not all drug users are violent or anti-social people."

The team consists of a co-ordinator, administrator, four senior drug workers, senior clinical medical officer and a consultant psychiatrist, as well as two "detached" drug team workers.

Despite the difficult and demanding work, morale is high.

The team provides specialist assessment and individual care for clients, as well as primary health care treatment, prescribing substitute drugs, particularly methadone, and offering practical support.

They also help in minimising the spread of HIV and other infections. To achieve this, Hepatitis B testing, screening and vaccination programmes are undertaken on site, along with HIV counselling, testing and condom provision.

The team also provides a needle exchange service to give users clean and safe needles and syringes, advise on safer drug use, safer injecting and safer sex. Three local pharmacists also offer needle exchange services.

A disposal service is given, but Mr Oulds added: "Most users are responsible with the equipment they take out and bring it back again. It is only a very small minority who discard their needles.

"In our case, we closely monitor the needles given out and ensure they are returned."

Clients can be referred by other agencies, but the team stresses it operates an open access service that is free of charge. Mr Oulds said: "Bolton would have a much larger problem if we were not here."

"I think our work is key to tackling what is a very significant problem and one that has been growing alarmingly in this town in recent years."

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