THE number of needles handed out to intravenous drug users at needle exchanges has increased by more than 50 per cent in the last five years.
In the last year, a total of 309,070 needles were issued across 18 pharmacies and addiction centres in the north.
Five years ago the figure stood at 193,405.
A total of 1,245,685 needles have been distributed across Northern Ireland during the five-year period.
The numbers indicate a growing heroin problem in Northern Ireland, with one MLA describing the situation as “frightening and alarming”.
So great is the demand at needle exchanges that three more are set to open in early 2017.
In October, The Irish News revealed that an antidote used to counteract the effects of an opiate overdose was used by paramedics 420 times in emergency situations in the past 12 months - nearly double the total for the previous year.
Take-home Naloxone kits are also supplied to users and family members in the event of an overdose and the number of kits handed out by medical professionals has also increased from 187 in 2014-15 to 247 this year.
Heroin has also been prominent in recent drug seizures by police. In September, heroin with an estimated street value of £500,000 was recovered as part of a haul worth around £1.5 million in a car stopped in Belfast’s docks area.
According to police reports, 186 grams of opiate powder were seized in 2014-2015. This year, the figure has soared to 2,943 grams – a 15-fold increase.
The figures were released in response to an assembly question by Ulster Unionist MLA Ross Hussey, who said while it was good news that exchanges were being used to prevent infections due to dirty needles, the underlying cause of the high figures was concerning.
"The issue is actually quite frightening and alarming," he said.
"Its clear this is an increasing problem and I think the minister for health and the minister for justice should be looking at why so many needles are being handed out.
"We have a hidden problem here that the vast majority of people aren’t aware of. This bubble is about to burst and when it does, god help us."
The department of health said while it is hard to gauge the extent of the problem as heroin is illegal, meaning many users to not avail of addiction services, "worryingly a number of sources of information may now be pointing to an increase in heroin related harm".
It said £8m each year is to be invested in the Executive's 'New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs Phase 2' plan and it is working with the PSNI to reduce the availability of illicit drugs on the streets.
