Thousands in drug rehabilitation

More than 8,000 heroin addicts went into rehabilitation programmes across the East Midlands in 2007-08.

Figures from the National Treatment Agency show 3,300 heroin users in Nottinghamshire are seeking help.

The government estimates that for every £1 spent on treatment, it saves £9.50 from the crime and health budgets.

Almost 2,000 heroin addicts went onto treatment in Leicestershire and Rutland, while in Derbyshire about 2,700 addicts were getting treatment.

Charlotte Talbot, of the Criminal Justice Drug Team, which runs the treatment programmes for Leicestershire Probation Service, said: "There is a significant impact once the users have contact with our team."

Eddie Finnemore from Leicestershire, a heroin user, is being given methadone to wean him off illegal drugs.

"I was doing petty crime like thieving to supply my habit," he said.

"You get really bad withdrawal symptoms and you are physically sick."

He said the treatment was helping him get his life back on track.

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However an expert has said the the financial downturn could drive more people into heroin addiction