DRUGS being available at ‘pocket money prices’ is being blamed for the rise in crack cocaine and opiate users in a borough.

Addiction treatment experts UKAT said that crack rocks can be purchased for as little as a fiver with dealers available any time of the day at the click of a button.

Their comments come as new Public Health England figures show the number of crack cocaine and opiate users in Blackburn with Darwen has risen from 1,297 in 2010/11 to 1,788 in 2016/17.

Eytan Alexander, UKAT’s CEO and a former addict, said the data showed an alarming number of teenagers and young adults who are addicted to the drugs.

Mr Alexander said: “Public Health England’s data clearly shows that an alarming number of teenagers and young adults are addicted to these incredibly potent substances.

“They’re seeking the feeling of euphoria at pocket money prices- crack rocks can be purchased for as little as a fiver with dealers available any time of day at the click of a button.

“Teenagers misusing crack and opiates at such an early age will not only suffer with the physical effects of the drugs, but the drugs could impact their education, overall achievement in life and expose them to a criminal environment at a young age, without full understanding of the risks and consequences of their actions.”

Across the North West, there are 49,871 crack cocaine and opiate users, a rise of over 3,500 people in the last five years.

The figures do not include use of cocaine in powder form, amphetamines, ecstasy or cannabis, so are likely to be much higher.

He added: “The impact of a person misusing these drugs in later life has a knock-on effect on their family, children, spouses as well as their own personal health, which will deteriorate at a much faster pace if drug use continues, and for some, will prove fatal.”

Dr Tom Smith, the Lancashire Telegraph’s health expert, blamed a rise in drug gangs.

He said: “There’s been a rise in sophisticated drugs in Britain operating across county boundaries and distributing drugs such as crack cocaine.

“People are more exposed to these drug pushers on the streets.

“This is very concerning as cocaine in power form can damage the inside of your nose when you sniff it up and reduce your IQ.”