Local report reveals D15 drug trends

A REPORT on drug and alcohol trends in Dublin 15 has found an increase in the use of cannabis, benzodiazepines, crack cocaine, alcohol and over the counter codeine based medication.

The recently published report from Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force (BLDATF) also reveals that Ecstasy is making a ‘comeback’ in terms of popularity and Ketamine – a horse anaesthetic – has become increasingly popular over the last 12 months.

The report was compiled using the unique Drug and Alcohol Trends Monitoring System (DATMS) developed by BLDATF to provide up-to-date information about drug and alcohol use in Dublin 15.

Service providers in the area reported an increase in the use of several drugs currently being taken by treated adult drug users. An increase in the use of cannabis (weed) was related to both adult and under-18 drug users.

Polydrug use is also an on-going problem in the area and is reported to be the norm by the majority of both under 18 and adult drug users currently receiving treatment.

The report also highlights a change in the profile of heroin users that’s emerged over the last few years.

The number of heroin users  entering treatment is declining and clients are now largely an ageing population of long-term users.

Not surprisingly alcohol is the most commonly used drug when it comes to adults and under 18 substance users not currently being treated.

Binge drinking to excess is a common occurrence among both males and females in the area.

Cannabis (weed) was the second most commonly used drug amongst untreated users.

For young people, the frequency of use varied from daily to less frequent use with some young males reporting daily use both before and during school hours.

Cocaine powder, ecstasy and ketamine are the next most commonly used drugs by untreated users, with service users reporting an increase in their use by users aged from 15 to early 20s.

Factors identified in the report as contributing to drug and alcohol use in Dublin 15 included easy access through both local drug dealers and the internet with some young people using social media to buy and sell drugs.

Another key issue was the ‘normalisation’ of drug and alcohol use within some peer and family groups. A common perception was that drugs were widely used, risk free and socially acceptable.

Participants in the research for the report identified gaps in service provision and service providers called for a cannabis treatment service and measures to address the perception that weed was a risk free drug.

There were also suggestions on how to tackle an increase in the use of crack cocaine, such as the provision of harm reduction measures including crack pipes.

The comprehensive report runs to over 70 pages and can be found online at www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25281.

Meanwhile, the Blanchardstown Family Support Network has organised an event for anybody affected by the problem drug or alcohol use of a family member.

Entitled ‘Alcohol, Problems it causes: empowering families in Blanchardstown and beyond’, the event will be presented by Prof Joe Barry in Huntstown Community Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 2.

The event is free of charge but there are limited places available, which are being allocated on a first come basis.

Young people between the ages of 12 to 17 are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. To book a place, call 01-8249590 or email paula@bldtf.ie