‘Society is too accepting of substance abuse’

IRELAND’S problem with alcohol and prescription drugs remains largely hidden because we are too accepting of substance abuse, a community activist said yesterday.

Phillip Keegan from the Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs, which organises the Let’s Talk About Drugs Media Awards, said getting people to talk about drug and alcohol addiction remains a challenge.

Speaking at the awards ceremony in Dublin yesterday, Mr Keegan said the competition was all about triggering a wider discussion on drug related issues.