Financial crash triggered spike in drug use in disadvantaged parts of Cork 

The research was conducted by criminologists at University College Cork, James Windle and Orla Lynch, along with Graham Cambridge of Churchfield Community Trust Cork, and James Leonard, above, of Niche Health Project, Cork and of the Two Norries Podcast. Pic: Larry Cummins

Drug use increased following the financial crash among problematic users in disadvantaged parts of Cork — in stark contrast to previous national studies indicating drug use fell during the recession.

New research said that the national-level prevalence studies “likely hid” increased drug use in some of Ireland’s economically deprived areas post the 2008 crash.