Meeting to highlight drug addiction crisis

AN

‘Addiction Crisis’ public meeting took place on the Southside this week as concerns were expressed about the spread of dangerous drugs such as crystal meth.

The high-profile public meeting was held in the Sandyford Community Centre, Lamb’s Cross, on Tuesday, February 24 at 7.30pm.

It was attended by specialist guest speakers such as Paul Williams, the crime journalist; Dr Garrett McGovern, an addiction specialist; and Rose Walsh, an addiction counsellor.

According to Cllr Lynsey McGovern (Ind), the meeting was organised to raise awareness of the problems that come with addiction in Ireland.

“The meeting will highlight the effects drug addiction has on the individual, family, friends, communities and society,

? Cllr McGovern said.

“Addiction treatment services are limited but the meeting will discuss what is available to people so they know the options that the State, private clinics and charitable organisations can provide.

?

Cllr McGovern said there was a widespread problem with addiction throughout the country, mainly to alcohol but also to other drugs including prescription medication as well as heroin and cocaine.

Cllr McGovern, who has spoken to experts dealing with addiction on the Southside, has also warned of the risk of deadly addictive drugs like crystal meth spreading to communities on the Southside.

“This problem with crystal meth is seen more so in the inner city but concerns are that it could spread,

? she said.

“The addiction to this particular drug is difficult to treat.

“There is no medication that is effective, for example, like methadone, which is used for heroin addiction. With crystal meth and crack cocaine it’s not as simple.

“Crack cocaine and crystal meth are the drugs that are emerging and the habit can cost the user up to

?¬1,000 a day a day due to the high cost of the drug and the addictive nature of it.

“And, of course, anywhere that a drug addiction needs to be funded there will be a rise in crime,

? she added.

“As these drugs are illegal it places the user at the mercy of dealers in a very dark and dangerous black market.

“My fears as a local councillor are that dealers will come into areas left vulnerable by the closure of local Garda stations.

“It makes sense that they will now operate in areas where there is less Garda visibility. That’s why it is important that these dangers are highlighted by public meetings such as this one.

?