Record numbers seeking treatment for heroin and cocaine addiction

MORE heroin and cocaine abusers sought help for their addiction last year than any other time in the history of records in the south-east, drugs misuse statistics show.

While the numbers coming forward addicted to alcohol and cannabis dipped across the south-east, there were marked increases in the numbers looking for help for abuse of heroin and cocaine.

The sixth annual “Overview of Drug Misuse” Report (2005), covering south-east areas Waterford, south Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford, published by the Health Service Executive (HSE) South paints a bleak picture of serious drug addiction in the region.

The report gives a breakdown of alcohol and drug misuse, based on information supplied from statutory and voluntary treatment services, education and prevention services and supply and control agencies.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Tony Barden, regional drug coordinator for the HSE South, said the information contained within these reports is critical to the ongoing development of services for people who require alcohol or drug treatment services.

“The data helps us to monitor the use of services and will be used for the long-term planning of new services and consolidation of existing services. I would like to thank all those involved in the provision and the supply of data for this report; their continued involvement is crucial to service development.”

A staggering 23.7% of all contacts and 24.1% of south-east contacts had first used a drug between the ages of 14 and 17 years. Cannabis was the first drug of use for 40.4% of all contacts and 39.8% of south-east contacts.

In the years 2000 to 2004, the main substances for which treatment was sought were alcohol, cannabis, heroin and MDMA, in that order. In 2005, the main substances are alcohol, cannabis, heroin and cocaine. Whilst alcohol remains the main problem substance, 65.7% of cases, it has dropped by 1.8% on 2004 figures.

Cannabis figures dropped in 2004 from 20% in 2003 to 18.6% in 2004 and have again dropped in 2005, to 16.5%. Heroin figures have increased by 2.7% from 2004 and account for 8% of 2005 figures. Cocaine figures have also increased from 2.4% in 2004 to 3.9% in 2005.

Last year also saw the inclusion of data from two additional community-based education and prevention services, the Frontline Project and Lúb Homelessness Projects, both based in Waterford city.

In the south-east region, 2,786 people contacted the treatment services for alcohol and/or drug misuse in 2005. This is an increase of 237 people on 2004 figures. Just under a third or 32.3% of all contacts and 31.6% of south-east contacts had completed their Junior Certificate before leaving full-time education.