The number of 18- to 24-year-olds being treated for heroin addiction alone has fallen by more than half over the past five years. Between April 2010 and March 2011, 3,253 young people were treated for heroin problems, down from 4,203 the previous year and 7,449 in 2005.
In 2005, 3,860 young people were treated for a combination of heroin and crack problems and 1,011 for crack addiction alone. But last year these figures dropped to 2,279 and 576 respectively.
Despite this, the statistics show the proportion of 18- to 24-year-olds being treated for problematic cannabis use is on the up.
While the number of young people smoking cannabis is not thought to have increased, the NTA warned that the rise in the number of young people needing treatment could be down to stronger strains of "skunk" cannabis.
Between April 2010 and March 2011, 4,493 young people received treatment for cannabis problems, compared to 4,417 last year and 3,328 in 2005.
Paul Hayes, NTA chief executive, said drug users are recovering from addiction more quickly than ever before.
"The fact that the next generation is getting the message that hard drugs wreak damage on individuals and communities is very positive, for them and the rest of society," he said. "Fewer people coming into treatment, while waiting times remain low, are signs that the huge problem created by the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s is being effectively tackled.
"Addiction remains a serious problem for many communities and we need to remain vigilant, particularly in a tough economic climate. But the figures show that recovery is now becoming a reality for more individuals each year."
Simon Antrobus, chief executive of Addaction, welcomed the figures but urged professionals not to let their guard down and become complacent.
"That young people are shunning heroin and crack cocaine is hugely encouraging," he said. "We know that treatment is effective and it’s great to see these new figures supporting that fact. What this doesn’t mean, however, is that there is less for us to do. The issues underlying young people’s drug use still need tackling, and the misuse of all kinds of drugs – including cocaine, mephedrone and cannabis, as well as crack and heroin – is still far too high."
