|
Understanding Problem Drug Use
Poverty and Problem Drug Use
Research in Ireland has consistently demonstrated a link between problem drug use and poverty [1]
- National and international research demonstrates the strong association between poverty, social exclusion and problematic drug use [2, 3].
- Over three quarters of drug users in treatment left school before 16 years of age [4].
- 70% of drug users are unemployed [5].
- Problem drug use is particularly prevalent in areas with high levels of
- Poverty
- Unemployment/long term unemployment
- Poor/insecure housing or homelessness
- Early school leaving.
- Crime and urban neglect [6].
- Lack of employment opportunities and sports and leisure facilities combined with the easy availability of heroin makes drug use amongst bored youngsters more likely.
- Drug use is both cause and effect of homelessness -It is a contributing factor in over 28% of households becoming homeless [7]. Homeless drug users are more likely to use more drugs, more often and less safely than their settled counterparts [8, 9].
SOURCES
1. Mayock, P. and Moran R. (2000) Social Issues and Public Attitudes Associated with Drug Misuse in Overview of Drug Issues in Ireland - Resource Document. Dublin. Drug Misuse Research Division, Health Research Board.
2. O'Higgins K (1998). Review of the literature and policy on the links between poverty and drug abuse. Dublin: The Economic and Social Research Institute and The Combat Poverty Agency.
3. Home Office (1998): Drug Misuse and the Environment - A Report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. London, The Stationary Office.
4. Building on Experience, National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. (2001) The Stationary Office, Dublin.
5. Drug Misuse Research Division (2003) Trends in Treated Drug Misuse in the Eastern health Board Area 1996-1999.
6. Houghton F.T.& Hickey C. (2000) Focussing on B&Bs: The unacceptable growth of emergency B&B placement in Dublin. Dublin. Focus Ireland
7. Houghton & Hickey as cited above
8. Cox, G. and Lawless, M. (1999) Wherever I Lay My Hat...A Study of Out of Home Drug Users. Dublin, Merchants Quay Ireland
9. Lawless, M and Corr, C (2005) Drug Use Amongst the Homeless Population in Ireland. Dublin. National Advisory Committee on Drugs
This fact sheet ©Merchants Quay Ireland 2006 |
