‘Reach out to youth’ as drug use spikes

Drugs and communities minister Catherine Byrne has urged society to “build up relationships” with young people after a survey revealed sharp increases in drug use, particularly among young men.

The State’s drug survey shows a jump in the use of cannabis and ecstasy, as well as licit and illicit usage of pharmacy-type opiates.

The country’s top drug advisor, Catherine Comiskey said she was surprised by the increases in cannabis and ecstasy use and “most disappointed” by high usage among young men.