Cocaine abuse - Take stigma out of drug treatment

Early treatment of people with drug habits is not only desirable, but also the best way to ensure recovery. Most of the emphasis on such treatment in this country, is on the treatment of heroin addicts, according to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs.

Experts suggest that non-heroin users of cocaine have been loath to seek treatment. Figures published in the Irish Examiner in May indicated, however, a 900% rise in the number of cocaine addicts being treated over the past seven years.

This is a staggering figure, which should act as a warning of the likely number of people in need of treatment but unwilling to face up to their problem because of the location of such treatment centres.