There has been a market increase in the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction in Egypt over the last year, according to the official Egyptian drug addiction body.

In a report published Wednesday, the Fund for Drug Control and Addiction Treatment said 19,700 addicts had been treated at its medical centres between 1 January and 30 June 2012, whilst in the whole of 2011 the number was 18,000.

The increased number could be down to increased awareness of the treatment available as well as an actual increase in the number of addicts.

People who have a drug problem, or who know somebody that does, can call the fund's hotline on 16023 for free and confidential support.

Cairo has the most advanced drug addiction treatment system in the country, whilst Upper Egypt is at the bottom of the list, according to the fund.

More must be done to help drug addicts and raise awareness of the issue in Upper Egypt in particular, added the fund.

Tramadol and cannabis are the most widely used drugs in Egypt, according to the interior ministry.