A&E fears over rise in young people using drugs

MORE young people than ever are arriving into hospital accident and emergency departments having collapsed or suffering with severe chest pain as a direct fallout from drug misuse, a substance abuse expert has warned.

Serious health problems associated with cocaine and heroin abuse will only get worse and will lead to more heart and lung complaints among those who use such drugs, according to regional drugs co-ordinator with the Health Services Executive for the south-east, Tony Barden.

More than 400 people admitted to Waterford Regional Hospital alone last year were referred on to drug and alcohol misuse programmes.