THOUSANDS of people in Barnsley are classed as being ‘alcohol dependent’ or regularly take hard drugs such as crack cocaine or opiates, a shocking report has revealed but tireless work is taking place to support those in need after its cost surpassed the £120m-a-year barrier.

At next week’s overview and scrutiny meeting, councillors will meet to discuss the local authority’s report into what is taking place across the Combating Drugs Partnership to prevent and reduce the harms caused by drug and alcohol use to individuals, families, and the community.

Substance use refers to the use of selected substances, including alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, inhalants, and other substances that can be consumed, inhaled, injected, or otherwise absorbed into the body with possible dependence and other detrimental effects.

The term substance use, or misuse, used throughout this report refers to both drugs and alcohol.

Estimates show that in Barnsley approximately 2,155 adults use opiates such as heroin and crack cocaine.

The report states: “Of these, 1,228 are estimated to use opiates and 370 to use crack cocaine, equating to 7.9 and 2.4 per 1,000 adults, respectively.

“Barnsley’s rate is higher than both the national and regional averages, ranking sixth-highest within Yorkshire and the Humber.

“The estimated prevalence of opiate use only and crack cocaine only also exceeds both regional and national rates.

“The data indicates that the largest proportion of OCU and opiate only users are aged 35 to 44, with 886 OCU and 498 opiate only individuals estimated in this age group.

“The 25 to 34 age group shows the next highest prevalence, with 485 OCU and 221 opiate only users.

“In contrast, prevalence is significantly lower among the youngest (15 to 24) and oldest (55 to 64) groups, across all substance categories, indicating fewer emerging younger users and reduced use in later adulthood.”

The town’s rate for alcohol dependancy is also considerably higher than both the national and Yorkshire average.

The report added: “Barnsley has an estimated 4,024 adults who are alcohol dependent, which equates to a rate of 20.6 per 1,000 adults based on the 2019/20 prevalence estimates.

“Barnsley’s rate of 20.6 per 1,000 is higher than both the Yorkshire and Humber regional rate (15.0 per 1,000) and the England rate (13.7 per 1,000).

“In 2024 the overall cost of alcohol-related harm in Barnsley was estimated to be £120.7m (£493 per head).”

Since the launch of the partnership aimed to support residents, a whole host of work has been taking place throughout the town.

Councillors will discuss the next steps at the meeting next week, including what has been done in the last year.

The report added: “A total of 2,583 adults accessed structured treatment and support for their drug and alcohol use, exceeding our numbers in treatment target of 2,293 by 13 per cent.

“Of these, 808 adults received structured treatment support for their alcohol use, exceeding our target of 755 by seven per cent.

“Eighty-two per cent of people who were receiving treatment in prison for their drug and alcohol use continued to receive support from our community drug and alcohol service following their release from prison.

“This is above the national figure of 58 per cent.

“Barnsley was the first area within the Yorkshire and Humber region to achieve the national target of 75 per cent.

“The residential rehab and inpatient detox uptake targets have already been achieved for 2025/2026.

“Barnsley has a lower proportion of young people still using alcohol or cannabis at the end of treatment.

“Barnsley has a higher proportion of adults in treatment in stable accommodation compared to national and regional figures.”

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, told the Chronicle: “Alcohol‑related harm has a major impact on people, families and communities in Barnsley.

“The figure of £120.7m represents the estimated cost of alcohol‑related harm in Barnsley for 2024 and comes from national calculations used by the Institute of Alcohol Studies.

“This methodology is widely used across the UK to understand the healthcare, crime, lost productivity and social care costs associated with alcohol use.

“Around 4,024 adults in Barnsley are estimated to be alcohol dependent, a higher rate than regional and national averages, highlighting the need for continued support around prevention, early help and treatment.

“We work closely with health partners, the voluntary sector, police and Barnsley Hospital to ensure people can access support.

“Last year, 808 adults received structured alcohol support, 13 per cent above our 2025/26 target.

“Barnsley Recovery Steps provides harm reduction, treatment, detox, rehabilitation and recovery support, with most people seen within days of referral, supported by the seven-day Alcohol Care Team at Barnsley Hospital.

“As a partnership, we remain committed to reducing alcohol harm through accessible, trauma-informed, person-centred services that help people stay safe, recover well and build healthier futures.”