The State - News from Feb. 7, 1989

A new state survey shows the number of people seeking professional treatment for cocaine addiction is on the rise in Central California. Figures compiled by the state Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs showed a heavy rate of cocaine and heroin abuse in the San Joaquin Valley over the last five years. Experts said that while the number of cocaine users is beginning to level off, there will be increasing numbers of drug addicts trying to break the habit. Susan Nisenbaum, research manager for the state agency, said Kern County had the third-highest rate in California of people seeking admission to cocaine treatment programs in 1987--72.9 people per 100,000. Madera County had the seventh-highest rate statewide with 56.2 people per 100,000. “Madera has a cocaine problem,” Nisenbaum said. “The number of admissions is small, but I wouldn’t expect it from a county that size.”