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Problem Drug Use
Introduction to Problem Drug Use in Ireland
Problem drug use is a major issue in Ireland. The most widely used drugs are undoubtedly alcohol and tobacco both of which are used extensively throughout the state. According to the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol Ireland has the second highest per capita consumption in the European Union. Binge drinking is more common in Ireland than in many other countries. Of every 100 drinking sessions, 58 end in binge drinking for men and 38 end in binge drinking for women [1]. Exact figures are always difficult to attain however in relation to illegal drug use an all Ireland study [2] undertaken by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) found that almost one in five respondents (19%) on the Island of Ireland reported ever taking an illegal drug. Cannabis was the most commonly used illegal drug with 17% of respondents reporting ever using it. Less then 3% reported current cannabis use (use in the previous month). The figures for those having ever used other illegal drugs were 5% or less. Aside from cannabis, the most common drugs ever used were ecstasy (5%), magic mushrooms, LSD and poppers (each 4%), amphetamines (3%); solvents cocaine (each 2%), heroin (0.4%) and crack (0.3%). (It is important to note that the Irish National Drug Strategy deals only with illegal drug use predominately opiate use. Although there has been some refocusing since the Mid Term Review published during 2005 taking into account increasing levels of cocaine use and poly drug use).
Without doubt heroin is the drug associated with the greatest acute harm to individuals, communities and families in Ireland. According to the most recent figures (NACD, 2003) it is estimated that heroin is used by 14,452 persons in Ireland, with more than 12,000 of these living in the Dublin region. Heroin users account for the majority of those presenting at our drugs services however, cocaine use is on the increase.
The link between poverty, social exclusion and drug use has been recognised both in Ireland and abroad. Problem drug use is particularly prevalent in areas with high levels of poverty, unemployment, insecure housing or homelessness, early school leaving, crime and urban neglect. Development of drugs problems in adolescence is also associated with childhood trauma and a significant number of drug users in treatment report they were physically or sexually abused as children. Not all those who use drugs experimentally or recreationally will become problematic drug users. However, those who are already troubled and marginalized are at particular risk.
Health Risks associated with heroin use include death by overdose, HIV/hepatitis Infection and damage to veins and arteries as a result of sharing infected injecting equipment. Hepatitis C and HIV occur in high proportions among injecting drug users as a result of unsafe injecting practices and needle sharing. Between 52% and 89% of intravenous drug users are estimated to be hepatitis C positive. It is estimated that injecting heroin users have 20 to 30 times higher risk of death than others of the same age (EMCDDA, 1997) yet drug related deaths are highly preventable.
Problem drug users often use a range of drugs including - heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and methadone. This is known as poly drug use and can cause many additional problems.
Heroin use has traditionally been confined to Dublin. This is no longer the case. In the past few years treatment clinics have been established to deal with heroin use in Galway, Waterford, Athlone, Portlaoise, Carlow, Tullamore, Drogheda and many other towns.
Drug use is both cause and effect of homelessness -It is a contributing factor in over 28% of households becoming homeless. Homeless drug users are more likely to use more drugs, more often and less safely than their settled counterparts.
Of the estimated 14,000 heroin users in Ireland just over half are on Methadone Treatment Programmes. Another 200 may be involved in drug free treatment programmes at any one time.
Almost 7,000 heroin users remain outside of any treatment services.
SOURCES
1. Drugnet Ireland. Issue 12, December 2004 'Drugs in Ireland' Drugs Misuse Research Division. Health Research Board
2. National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) & Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit (DAIRU). First published in Oct 2003. Revised June 2005. Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland: First Results Revised from the 2002/2003 Prevalence Study .
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Introduction