Hospitals' huge rise in drug problems

The number of people admitted with mental illness triggered by drug abuse has tripled in ten years.

The increasing popularity of stronger strains of 'skunk' cannabis is being blamed for much of the increase.

More than 38,400 patients treated for mental and behavioral disorders last year has taken drugs, up from 13,000 in 1996-97.

Cases involving spiked drinks and other 'drug poisoning also rose by 50%over the period,from 7,400 to 11,300. Young people aged 16 to 24 were most at risk, said the report by the Information Centre for Health and Social Care, part of the health ministry.

There were 6,700 incidents among patients aged 16 to 24, up from 3,700 in 1997. The number among 25 to 34 year-olds leaped from 5,900 to 15,700.

Marjorie Wallace, cheif executive of mental health charity 'sane' said; 'What we have been saying for years is at last being recognised - that mental illness is linked to the use of street drugs, particularly cannabis and skunk. 80% of patients admitted to inner-citr wards are using illegal drugs. Without specialised units, there could be an epidemic of drug-induced psycosis.'

Cannabis was downgraded to a class C in 2004, with the maximum jail term for possession set at 2yrs.

Dr Marcus Roberts, of mental health group 'mind', said; 'This may not be without consequences.'

Public health minister Caroline Flint admitted the figures suggested drugs 'played a role in increasing mental health admissions' but added; 'This is not to say drugs were the primary reason for these admissions.'