Call to adapt drug treatment services for Travellers

Drug treatment services should be urgently adapted to meet the needs of Travellers, who abuse drugs as much as the general population , a study found today.

The impact of cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy on the 30,000-strong ethnic group is worsened by the discrimination and social exclusion it experiences.

A total of 137 Travellers and 35 social workers co-operated with the two-year survey by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD).

The report recommended that overall national drugs policy and services should be equality-proofed to suit ethnic minorities.

Travellers should have improved awareness of drugs, drugs related issues and drug services, it added.

More culturally-appropriate drug services must take account of specific elements of Traveller culture and identity.

NACD chairman Dr Des Corrigan said: “The report states that the services currently available are not meeting the needs of Travellers and are not culturally appropriate.”

The study said: “Lack of knowledge about drugs and drug services has hampered Travellers’ responses to drug problems including tackling drug dealing.”

“Travellers have experienced a multiplicity of barriers to accessing drug services including lack of awareness of the existence and nature of drug services; lack of formal education; stigma and embarrassment; lack of culturally appropriate services; discrimination and stereotyping.”

The survey said the impact of drug use on Travellers who are drug users, on their families and on their community can be exacerbated by the discrimination and social exclusion experiences that affect this tight-knit community.”

Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Noel Ahern noted: “The Government is committed to working with Traveller groups through the relevant department and agencies to address the impact of drug use in the Traveller Community in a participative way.”

The research was carried out under Action 98 of the National Drugs Strategy National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 which provides for the carrying out of studies on drug misuse amongst the at-risk groups identified such as Travellers, prostitutes, the homeless and early school leavers.

Professor Jane Fountain from the University of Central Lancashire’s Centre for Ethnicity and Health analysed the research and prepared the final report.

Fieldwork was carried out in late 2003 and 2004.

Of the 137 Traveller participants, 15 were current and former drug users and were interviewed for the study.

The survey found trends similar to the general population in that cannabis is the most commonly-used illegal drug followed by cocaine and ecstasy.

Sedatives, tranquillisers and anti-depressants are the most widely used substances.

More men than women are reported to be using illegal drugs and it is largely confined to the younger adults aged 15 to 34.

Travellers due to the risk factors associated with their interrelated social and economic circumstances are at risk of problem drug use. The key risk factors for problematic drug use are: education, health, employment accommodation, previous and current drug use, criminal justice, family, social networks and the environment in terms of social deprivation.