Loading...
Drug misuse
Currently being updated (Completion date 18th Nov 25)
Introduction
This section contains data, information and a summary profile in relation to the nature and impact of illegal/illicit drug use amongst the residents of Oldham. This summary will include separate analysis and profiling of three mutually exclusive substance use categories:- Opiate users (mainly heroin)
- Non-opiate users (including Cannabis, Cocaine (powder), Crack cocaine only)
- The combined user category of Non-opiate(s) & Alcohol (as non-opiate plus alcohol)
Summary profile of opiate users in treatment in Oldham
Figure 1.1 below shows data in relation to the demographic make-up of Oldham’s opiate using clients in-treatment population from 2022/23 to 2024/25.
Historically, approximately 75% of adult opiate users in treatment were male. Typically, around 85% are from White/White British ethnicities with approximately 10% from Asian/Asian British backgrounds. The largest age cohorts are amongst the 40-49s and 50-64s, with the latter age group increasing in proportionality as younger age-bands are shrinking. More than one-fifth of opiate using clients live with children aged 0-17 years.
The Treatment Journey for Adult opiate users in Oldham
Numbers in treatment and new presentations
Figure 1.2 below shows the numbers in treatment and new presentations amongst Oldham’s adult opiate users from 2016/17 to 2024/25. Following a gradual downward trend from 2016/17 to 2020/21 numbers in treatment have been on an upward trajectory - increasing by 16% from 674 to 782. The same chart also shows that there were 238 new presentations amongst this user category in 2024/25 - an increase of 38% (from 173) since 2020/21.
Across Greater Manchester, Oldham has the fifth highest rate of opiate users in treatment services with 4.70 per 1,000 of the adult (aged 18 to 75) population. Bolton has the highest with 6.13 and Trafford the lowest with 2.17. Oldham’s rate is greater than the GMCA (4.45 per 1,000) and North West (4.43) but significantly greater than the England average of 3.37.
Referral sources
In the most recent period referrals from the criminal justice system were approximately 40% (see Figure 1.2 above) – almost 13 percentage points greater than the rate recorded in 2022/23 - making it the second most common referrer. Referrals from 'Self, Family & Friends' the most common route into treatment amongst adult opiate users. However, referrals from this source have fallen by more than one-quarter from almost 60% (2022/23) to 43% (2024/25).
Treatment exit status
Figure 1.2 above also illustrates treatment exit status amongst opiate clients in Oldham from 2022/23 to 2024/25. It can be observed that ‘planned exits’ amongst this user cohort increased by approximately five percentage points, from 19.6% in 2022/23 to 24.7% in 2024/25. Over the same period ‘unplanned exits’ fell from 55% and 40%. Those who were ‘transferred – in custody’ rose to 23% in 2023/24 but fell back 16.5% in 2024/25.
Successful completions and re-presentations amongst adult opiate users in treatment
Figure 1.2 above also shows trends for successful completions of treatment and re-presentations to treatment amongst Oldham’s opiate clients from 2017/18 to 2024/25. It can be observed that successful completions ranged from 3.6% (2020/21) to 7.4% (2017/18). Oldham’s most recent rate (5.4%) is similar to both the GMCA (5.5%) and North West (5.7%) averages of 5.7% but lower than the England average of 5.2%. The highest (i.e. best) rate across GMCA was recorded by Trafford with 9.1% while the lowest was in Bury with 3.2%. Across the North West, Warrington had the best rate (10.1%) while Bury, again, had the worst rate with 3.2%.
Figure 1.2 above also shows re-presentation rates. Re-presentations are defined as where an individual presents to treatment within 6 months of a successful completion of treatment and is, therefore, not considered to be a ‘new presentation’. Oldham’s performance has been characterised by fluctuating rates from a low of 12.5% in 2018/19 – its best rate – to a high of 41.7% in 2020/21.
In the most recent period, 2024/25, Oldham’s re-presentation rate was 24.0% which is higher (i.e. worse) than GMCA (20.6%) and North West (18.9%) averages. The lowest (i.e. best) rate across the North West was recorded by three local authorities: Bury, Knowsley and Westmorland & Furness each with 0.0% while the highest rate was in Trafford with 33.3%. Amongst the ten boroughs that comprise GMCA Bury had the best rate (0.0%) while Trafford had the worst rate with 33.3%.
Unmet treatment need and prevalence amongst Opiate and/or Crack Cocaine users in Oldham
Table 1.1 below shows the rate of unmet treatment need for individuals affected by opiate and/or crack cocaine misuse and/or dependency for Oldham, North West and England for the year April 2024 to March 2025. Oldham’s rate for unmet treatment need is 57.1% which higher than the North West average (54.1%) and but similar to the England average (56.8%). The prevalence estimate for Oldham of the number of its residents involved in problematic opiate (heroin) and crack cocaine use and not in treatment is 2,051 (or 12.32 per 1,000 of 18 to 75 population). This is 47.9% greater than the national rate of 8.33 (per 1,000) and 19.7% more than the North West rate of 10.29 (per 1,000).
Other substance use and monthly consumption of alcohol units indicated by opiate clients in treatment
Figure 1.3 below illustrates the use of other substances as cited by opiate users in treatment in Oldham from 2022/23 to 2024/25. During this period opiate clients reporting additional use of ‘crack cocaine’ has varied from 57% to 60% thus indicating high prevalence and dependency. In the most recent period, approximately one in nine (11.3%) opiate clients indicated use of cannabis. Indications for the use of ‘benzodiazepines’ continues a long-term downward trend. In 2020/21 9.6% of opiate using clients cited benzodiazepines as part of their repertoires, fives years later indication for use of this group of substance have fallen to 6.0%.
Figure 1.3 above also shows that after Opiates (only) and the combined use of opiates and crack cocaine, alcohol is the third substance of choice amongst this cohort with one in seven (13.6%) clients indicating as such. However, while 42% of opiate using clients stated that their monthly consumption of alcohol units was zero, one-third indicated '1 to 199' units, 9% '200 to 399' units - with the remaining 15% consuming anywhere from 400 to over 1,000 units.Co-occurring mental health treatment need in opiate clients
‘Accommodation need’ status and ‘co-occurring mental health treatment need identified’ amongst Oldham’s opiate users are shown in Figure 1.4 below. Excluding the data shown for 2022/23, due to data quality issues, urgent housing problems amongst this user cohort almost doubled from 7.5% in 2020/21 to 14.6% in 2021/22, while less severe problems have fallen from 20.8% to 15.1% over the same period.Figure 1.4 above also shows that co-occurring mental health treatment needs were identified has increased from 58.4% in 2020/21 to two-thirds (66.5%) in 2022/23 – similar to national trends.
Sub-intervention reviews (SIRs)
Table 1.2 below consists of the top ten rates for the most frequently used sub-interventions amongst Oldham opiate clients in comparison to England averages. Oldham rates are better than England’s in over half of the interventions listed which include 'Recovery check-ups' (81.6% in Oldham compared to 39.8 for Engalnd); 'Cognitive/behavioural relapse prevention' (23.7% in Oldham compared to 17.3% for England); ‘Buprenorphine (tablet/wafer) – Opioid maintenance’ (12.3% in Oldham compared to 1.1% for England); and 'Housing support' (11.6% in Oldham compared to 7.2% for England). Oldham’s rate for ‘Peer support’ is inferior to that for England.
Deaths in treatment amongst opiate clients in Oldham
Table 1.3 below shows the proportion of opiate using clients accessing treatment who died in 2024/25. The proportion of deaths amongst opiate clients in Oldham (1.28%) is lower than the averages for all other geographies. Oldham’s rate is the 3rd lowest of the 10 local authorities in GMCA and 5th lowest out of the 24 authorities that make up to the North West region. The area with the highest proportion of such deaths in GMCA was Trafford with 3.13% [11 from 352] – more than double the rate for Oldham – and the lowest was in Stockport with 0.88% [6 from 680]. Across the North West region St. Helens had the highest proportion with 3.43% [26 from 759] while Warrington recorded the lowest rate with 0.47% [less than five deaths].
Summary profile of Non-opiate(s) only users in treatment in Oldham
Demographics
Figure 2.1 below shows data in relation to the demographic make-up of Oldham’s non-opiate using clients in-treatment population from 2022/23 to 2024/25. In the most recent period the proportion of males involved in non-opiate use decreased from a typical 76% to approaching 73.5%. Approximately 80% are from White/White British ethnicities with 10-12% from Asian/Asian British backgrounds. The 30-39 age cohort has the largest representation ranging from 38.5% to 37.5%. The second largest age-band in the most recent period (2024/25) were those aged 40-49 years, accounting for almost one-fifth of those in-treatment in this user category. – since 2020/21 this has increased by almost one-third from 31% to 39% in 2022/23.
Figure 2.1 above also shows that around in 2024/25 approximately 18% of non-opiate using clients live with children aged 0-17 years - this is approximately four percentage points lower than in 2022/23.
The Treatment Journey for adult non-opiate (only) users in Oldham
Numbers in treatment and new presentations
Figure 2.2 below shows the numbers in treatment and new presentations amongst Oldham’s adult non-opiate users from 2016/17 to 2024/25. Overall numbers in treatment amongst this user cohort have been on a steep upward trend. From 2020/21 to 2024/25 numbers increased by 142% from 168 to 408. This increase was fueled by a significant rise in new presentations from 130 to 303 over same period - up by 133%.
In-treatment rates here
Referral sources
Figure 2.2 above also shows referral sources amongst adult non-opiate users newly presenting to treatment services over the past three years in Oldham. By far the most common referral amongst this user cohort was ‘Self, Family & Friends’ which accounted for 46% of all referrals in 2024/25 compared to 41% two years earlier. Over the same period, however, referrals from ‘criminal justice’ almost dropped from 33% to 29%.
Treatment exit status
Figure 2.2 above illustrates treatment exit status amongst opiate clients in Oldham from 2022/23 to 2024/25. It can be observed that ‘planned exits’ amongst this non-opiate (only) clients increased from 39% in 2022/23 to almost 47% in 2024/25. ‘Unplanned exits’ increased from 35% in 2023/24 to 45% in the most recent period. The most significant change was seen amongst those who were ‘transferred – in custody’ which fell by more than two-thirds from 15% in 2022/23 to less than five percent in 2024/25.
Successful completions and re-presentations amongst adult non-opiate (only) users in treatment
Figure 2.2 above also illustrates trends for successful completions of treatment and re-presentations to treatment amongst Oldham’s non-opiate(s) clients from 2017/18 to 2024/25. It can be observed that successful completions have ranged from a high of 49.0% (2017/18) to a low of 21.9% (2018/19). Oldham’s most recent rate (29.7%) is lower (i.e. worse) than both North West (32.9%) and England (33.7%) averages. Oldham’s rate is also lower than the GMCA average of 34.0%. The highest (i.e. best) rate across the North West was recorded by Salford with 45.8% while the lowest was in Blackpool with 20.7%. Across the GMCA, Salford had the best rate (45.8%) while Wigan had the worst rate with 25.2%.
Figure 2.2 above also shows re-presentation rates. Re-presentations are defined as where an individual presents to treatment within 6 months of a successful completion of treatment and is, therefore, not considered to be a ‘new presentation’. Oldham’s performance has been characterised by fluctuating rates from a low of 0.0% in 2021/22 – its best rate – to a high of 20.0% in 2019/20.
In the most recent period, 2024/25, Oldham’s re-presentation rate was 7.7% which is similar to GMCA (7.1%) and North West (7.9%) averages. The lowest (i.e. best) rate across the North West was recorded by six Salford with 0,0%, while the highest was in Cheshire East with 16.7%. Amongst the ten boroughs that comprise GMCA, Salford had the best rate (0.0%) while Stockport had the worst rate with 14.0%.
Other substance use indicated by non-opiate clients in treatment
Figure 2.3 below illustrates the use of other substances as cited by non-opiate users in treatment in Oldham from 2022/23 to 2024/25. Throughout this period Cannabis has remained the most common substance with approximately six in ten adult non-opiate users citing its use. The second most cited substance is Cocaine (powder) with indications amongst this user cohort ranging from 40-42% over the tree census periods shown.
The use of Crack cocaine was cited by 16-18% over the three annual periods show. While the remaining substances are indicated by small proportions of non-opiate users.
Co-occurring mental health treatment need in non-opiate clients
‘Accommodation need’ status and ‘co-occurring mental health treatment need identified’ amongst Oldham’s non-opiate users are shown in Figure 2.4 below. Excluding the data shown for 2022/23, due to data quality issues, urgent housing problems amongst this user cohort have remained consistently below 5%, while less severe problems have dropped by one-third over the same period.
Figure 2.4 above also shows that co-occurring mental health treatment needs were identified have remained broadly similar over the three census periods ranging from 65.6% to 69.2% – similar to national trends.
Sub-intervention reviews (SIRs)
Table 2.1 below consists of the top nine rates for the most frequently used sub-interventions amongst Oldham non-opiate(s) clients in comparison to England averages. Oldham rates are worse than England’s in all but three of the interventions listed which include ‘Cognitive/behavioural relapse prevention’ (5.5% for Oldham which is less than two-thirds the England average of 17.0%) and 'Peer Support' (less than 5.0% in Oldham compared to the England average of 13.6%).
Table 2.2 above also shows that where Oldham is better than the national average is ‘Recovery check-ups’ (76.4% - more than double the rate for England of 32.2%).
Deaths in treatment amongst non-opiate clients
Table 2.2 below shows the proportion of non-opiate (only) using clients accessing treatment who died in 2024/25. Deaths amongst this user cohort are rare, indeed the proportion of deaths amongst non-opiate clients in Oldham (0.00%) was lower than the averages for all other geographies. Oldham’s rate is the equal lowest of the 10 local authorities in GMCA and out of the 24 authorities that make up to the North West region. The area with the highest proportion of such deaths in GMCA was Stockport with 0.80% [less than five deaths]. Across the North West region Cumberland had the highest proportion with 0.92% [less than five deaths].
Summary profile of combined user category of Non-opiate(s) & alcohol users in treatment in Oldham
Demographics
Figure 3.1 below shows data in relation to the demographic make-up of Oldham’s the combined user category ‘non-opiate(s) & alcohol’ using clients in-treatment population from 2022/23 to 2024/25. In the most recent period the proportion of males involved in combined use of non-opiates and alcohol has increased slightly from 75.2% in 2023/24 to 77.5%. Approximately 86% are from White/White British ethnicities with almost 7% being from 'Asian/Asian British ethnicities in 2024/25.. The most common age cohort was recorded for 30-39 year olds, however, since 2021/22 this has decreased from 45% to 40% in 2024/25. Amongst those aged 40-49 the proportion of clients has risen from 16% in 2023/24 to 25% in the most recent period. It is important to note that clients aged 20-24 and 25-29 have recorded downward trajectories from 2022/23 to 2024/25
Figure 3.1 above also shows that since 2022/23 the proportion of combined non-opiate and alcohol users in treatment who live with children aged 0-17 years more has increased from 13% to 16% in 2024/25.The Treatment Journey for adult combined non-opiate and alcohol users in Oldham
Numbers in treatment and new presentations
Figure 3.2 below shows the numbers in treatment and new presentations amongst the combined user category of adult non-opiate & alcohol users in Oldham from 2016/17 to 2024/25. Overall numbers in treatment amongst this user cohort have been an upward trend. Since 2020/21 the numbers in treatment in this user category have increased from 204 to 360 in 2024/25 - up by 76.5%. following a slump during April 2017/March 2018 culminating in an 9.8% decrease from 254 (the highest recorded) in 2021/22 to 229 in 2022/23. New presentations over the same period rose by 66% from 147 to 244.
Across Greater Manchester, Oldham has the fourth highest rate of combined non-opiate and alcohol users in treatment services with 2.16 per 1,000 of the adult (aged 18 to 75) population. Manchester has the highest with 2.71 and Trafford the lowest with 1.20. Oldham’s rate is similar to the GMCA average (2.00 per 1,000) but greater than North West (1.78) and England (1.15) averages.Referral sources
Figure 3.2 above also shows referral sources amongst combine non-opiate and alcohol users newly presenting to treatment services over the past three years in Oldham. In the most recent period, by far the most common referral amongst this user cohort is ‘Self, Family & Friends’ with 49.6% compared to 51.2% in the previous year. Referrals from ‘criminal justice’ in the most recent census period accounted for almost one in ten of all referrals (29.1%).
Treatment exit status
Figure 3.2 above also illustrates treatment exit status amongst combined users of non-opiate(s) and alcohol in Oldham from 2022/23 to 2024/25. It can be observed that ‘planned exits’ amongst this user cohort have been on an modest upward trajectory since 2022/23 rising from 41.6% to 47.5% in the most recent period. ‘Unplanned exits’ have decreased from 50% to 42.5% over the same period.
Successful completions and re-presentations amongst adult non-opiate (only) users in treatment
Figure 3.2 above also shows trends for successful completions of treatment and re-presentations to treatment amongst Oldham’s combined non-opiate(s) and alcohol using clients from 2017/18 to 2024/25. It can be observed that successful completions have ranged from a high of 46.5% (2017/18) to a low of 12.6% (2018/19).
Oldham’s most recent rate (29.2%) is lower (i.e. worse) than the North West (32.1%), GMCA (31.9%) and England (30.3%) averages. The highest (i.e. best) rate across the North West was recorded by Salford with 43.1% while the lowest was in Cumberland with 19.1%. Across the GMCA, again Salford had the best rate while Tameside had the worst rate with 23.5%.
Figure 3.2 above also shows re-presentation rates. Re-presentations are defined as where an individual presents to treatment within 6 months of a successful completion of treatment and is, therefore, not considered to be a ‘new presentation’. Oldham’s performance has been characterised by fluctuating rates from a low of 0.0% in 2018/19 – its best rate – to a high of 20.6% in 2017/18.
In the most recent period, 2024/25, Oldham’s re-presentation rate was 11.4% same as the North West average (11.4%) but greater (i.e. worse) than the GMCA average of 9.9%. The lowest (i.e. best) rate across the North West was recorded in Bolton with 2.1% while the highest was in Cumberland with 21.7%. Amongst the ten boroughs that comprise GMCA, Bolton had the best rate (2.1%) while Salford had the worst rate with 17.6%.
Other substance use amongst combined non-opiate and alcohol using clients in treatment
Figure 3.3 below illustrates the use of other substances as cited by combined non-opiate and alcohol users in treatment in Oldham from 2022/23 to 2024/25. Throughout this period, with the exception of alcohol, Cannabis and Cocaine (powder) have remained the most commonly indicated substances within this user category. Cocaine (powder) in the most recent period of 2024/25 was cited by almost 68% of clients an increase of almost one-fifth indicated in 2022/23 (56%). During the same period indications for the use of cannabis fell by almost one-fifth from 52% to 42%. The use of Crack cocaine decreased from 12.7% (2022/23) to 10.3% (2024/25).
Figure 3.3 above also shows monthly consumption of alcohol units amongst combined non-opiate and alcohol users in treatment. While indications for no units consumed (i.e. 'None') range from 5-10%, the most common indications are for '1-199' units ranging from 22-28% followed by '200-399' units. The most significant change - and perhaps cause for concern - can be observed in relation to indications of '1,000+' units. In the periods of 2022/23 and 2023/24 such indications were between 12% and 13%', in the most recent period they have risen to 19.3% - up by more than a half on the previous year.Co-occurring mental health treatment need in combined non-opiate & alcohol clients
‘Accommodation need’ status and ‘co-occurring mental health treatment need identified’ amongst Oldham’s combined user category of non-opiate and alcohol users are shown in Figure 3.4 below. Excluding the data shown for 2022/23, due to data quality issues, urgent housing problems amongst this user cohort have remained consistently below 5%, while less severe problems increased from 13.6% in 2020/21 to 16.8% in the most recent period.Figure 3.4 above also shows that co-occurring mental health treatment needs identified have increased gradually from 69.4% in 2020/21 to 74.1% in 2022/23 – broadly mirroring national trends.
Sub-intervention reviews (SIRs)
Table 3.1 below consists of the top ten rates for the most frequently used sub-interventions amongst Oldham’s combined user category of non-opiate(s) and alcohol in comparison to England averages. Oldham rates are worse than England’s in all but three of the interventions listed which include ‘Cognitive/behavioural relapse prevention’ (8.4% for Oldham which is less than half the England average of 18.4%); 'Mutual Aid' (less than 5% for Oldham compared to 22.9% for England); and 'Evidence-based psycho-social interventions to support relapse prevention' (less than 5% for Oldham compared to 14.9% nationally).
Table 3.1 also shows that Oldham performs well with regards to 'Recovery check-ups' with 77.4% which double the national average of 37.4%. Oldham also has similar values to the England in relation to both 'Motivational interventions' and 'Housing Support'.Deaths in treatment amongst clients indicating combined use of non-opiates and alcohol
Table 3.2 below shows the proportion of non-opiate and alcohol (combined use) clients accessing treatment who died in 2024/25. Deaths in treatment amongst this user cohort are relatively uncommon when compared to opiate users and even alcohol only clients. During 2024/25 there were less than five deaths recorded amongst non-opiate users in treatment Oldham. All other geography levels recorded rates of less than 0.60%.
Further Information & Resources
OHID Data ProfilesFurther information and data relating to substance misuse