Taskforce targets young drug abusers

A DRUGS TASKFORCE has been set up in the south east to tackle the growing problem of substance abuse among young people.

Figures released by the health board show the number of teenagers seeking help for heroin and cannabis abuse is on the rise in the region.

Of those attending a youth centre for treatment for drug abuse in the South East, 95% are addicted to more than one drug. This compares to up to 40% of adults who are being treated for addiction to more than one drug.

The South Eastern Health Board has established a Regional Drug Taskforce which, along with community and voluntary groups in the region, has begun putting a plan together to combat drug misuse and to assess and identify gaps that exist in the drug services at the moment.

The role of the South East Regional Drug Taskforce is to research, develop, implement and monitor a coordinated response to illegal drug use in the region based on best practice.

A spokesperson for the South Eastern Health Board said the terms of reference of the Regional Drug Taskforce are varied.

They include the development of a co-ordinated and integrated response to illicit drug use; to create and maintain an up-to-date database on the nature and extent of illicit drug use in the region and provide information on drug-related services and resources in the region.

“The taskforce will also identify and address gaps in service provision having regard to evidence available on the extent and specific location of illicit drug use in the region,” the spokesperson said.

“It will prepare an action plan to respond to regional drug issues for assessment by the National Drug Strategy Team as well as develop regionally relevant policy proposals in consultation with the National Drug Strategy Team,” she said.

The taskforce will also provide information by regular reports to the National Drug Strategy Team.

Over the coming months the South East Regional Drug Taskforce will prepare its plan for the region.