text:  However, the findings also suggest that between 2011 and early 2014, the number of 
  
  new opiate/crack-cocaine users stopped decreasing and instead stabilised at a 
  (historically) low level. Further analysis was conducted to try and determine whether this 
  was a precursor to a new rise in initiates. Though the data are not totally conclusive, the 
  results suggest that a marked increase in new opiate/crack-cocaine users in the near 
  future is unlikely. If anything, findings suggested that the downward trend may be set to 
  resume. 
  
   Analysis also revealed some possible changes in characteristics of the new opiate/crack- 
  cocaine initiates. There is a trend in the treatment data towards new initiates coming to 
  treatment earlier in their drug-using careers than previous cohorts and also to have 