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DRUG abusers are being reminded help is out there in Dorset.

The county's Drug and Alcohol Action Team is passing on the message as part of its activities to mark National Tackling Drugs Week next week.

The county council based partnership is highlighting the range of services available at drop-in centres in Weymouth, Bridport, Blandford, Swanage, Gillingham, and a new centre is due to open in Christchurch.

In 2006/2007 the service helped 1,486 people get treatment against an estimated problematic drug using population of 2,018. Ninety per cent of those helped were seen within three weeks.

Help available includes advice from trained staff, access to counselling, prescription medication and needle exchanges, plus inpatient and residential treatment if appropriate.

Services are also on hand to help people going through the criminal justice system try and break their offending behaviour and get treatment.

Dorset County Council cabinet member for community services, David Crowhurst, said: "We all know that drugs and alcohol misuse can ruin lives, blight families and communities leading to chronic ill health, crime and even death.

"If you want to help someone tackle their drug or alcohol problem, then help is out there, go to dorsetforyou.com or visit a drop-in centre."

An open day is being held at the Weymouth drop-in centre, 84 The Esplanade, Weymouth on Tuesday May 20 between 11am to 4pm. For more information contact 01305 760799.

7:58am Saturday 17th May 2008

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