DRUG users and their families - especially those in rural areas - can have difficulty accessing the help that they desperately need, according to experts.

To try to plug that gap, a countywide A to Z directory of drug services has been launched containing up-to-date information about all the drug services in Cumbria.

Drug users and recovering addicts have helped to put the directory together, and those behind the project hope that will ensure it is targeted in the right way.

One of those behind the project, Sue Mason, explained how they hoped to help drug users and their carers: "If a drug user is getting to a stage where they are feeling like they need help, now's the time, hopefully they will be able to get hold of one of these guides which will tell them where they need to contact first."

Ms Mason said that the guide would cover services available across the county for all types of drugs, and should particularly help people in rural areas.

"It's a common misconception that you don't get drug users in nice country villages, which is not the case.

"Especially in rural areas a lot of people don't really know what services are out there. Parents can feel very, very lost and very alone if they find their son or daughter is using drugs. If they have access to this guide, and know it exists, it will make a difference."

The A to Z has been produced by the Cumbria service user development project, and the project is run by the Citizens Advice Bureau, and funded through the Cumbria Drug Action Team. It will be distributed to organisations that provide drugs services, as well as libraries, GP surgeries, clinics, schools and pharmacies.

The difficulties in finding help and information for drug users, particularly those addicted to stimulants such as cocaine, were highlighted by Eric and Clare Burdon, of Kendal. They spoke about their loss after their 20-year-old daughter, Gemma, who was a cocaine user, died last month.

A memorial fund set up in Gemma's memory has reached £1,000, and the Burdons hope to use it to raise awareness of the drugs problem in South Lakeland. The Westmorland Gazette has launched its Beat the Drugs Menace campaign to help Mr and Mrs Burdon, and to look at the issues surrounding drugs.

l Ms Mason, who is a user development worker for substance misuse, is hoping to recruit members to a service user group in Kendal. Members would be able to ensure that their views were taken into account with the aim of improving treatments for drug users and their carers. Anyone interested can contact Sue Mason on 07931-520988.