The NACDA was established in response to the drug problem to assist in our continued need to improve our knowledge and understanding of problem drug use.
The goal of the NACDA is to advise the Government on problem drug use in Ireland in relation to prevalence, prevention consequences and treatment based on our analysis and interpretation of research findings.
ISSUE DATE: Thursday, 8 March 2007
All indicators show cocaine use is continuing to increase across all sections of society and all areas of the country
The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) has today (Thursday, 8 March) said that services for cocaine users need to become more visible. Speaking at the launch of An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland II, NACD Chairperson, Dr Des Corrigan, said that all the indicators point to a continued increase in cocaine use and that this cocaine use crosses all sections of Irish society. However, whilst the impact is very much experienced nationwide, some communities are disproportionately affected.
An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland II looks at cocaine use in relation to its prevalence, prevention and treatment, as well as the consequences of its use in Ireland. The report was prepared jointly by the NACD and the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) on foot of a request from Government in late 2005, concerned with the growth of cocaine abuse in all sections of Irish society.
The increasing prevalence of cocaine in Ireland was revealed through examination of a range of indicators:
Speaking at the launch of the report, Noel Ahern TD, Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, stated that the risks associated with cocaine use are extremely high:
“The physical and mental health problems that arise from the use of cocaine are alarming. Cocaine is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol and other substances and these real dangers associated with its use have been highlighted in this report”.
Minister Ahern pointed out that the report highlights the fact that cocaine use is predominantly a young adult phenomenon affecting mostly those aged between 15 and 34.
“It is perceived that there is a significant hidden population of so called ‘recreational cocaine users’ who do not see themselves as having a problem. However, many of these are likely to develop health problems in the longer term and it is important to get credible and unambiguous health promotion and harm reduction messages to this group.
“At the same time, we must emphasise that treatment is available and is effective. It is clear that one of the challenges facing service providers is to persuade cocaine users to avail of treatment, while the continued upskilling of personnel to meet the needs of cocaine users is also important,”
Minister Ahern said. He further indicated that he has already funded a pilot training initiative in that regard.
Another trend highlighted by this report, according to the Chairperson of the NACD Dr Des Corrigan, is that many problem heroin users are also using cocaine, and that polydrug use is now common among drug-users. He indicated that it is difficult to determine at this stage whether there has been a significant increase nationally in drug misuse.
“Our most recent comprehensive figures for the misuse of drugs come from the all island Drug Prevalence Survey 2002/2003. Fieldwork for the second such survey is currently in progress and will be completed in April, with first reports becoming available in the autumn”.
Dr Corrigan also indicated that the findings on cocaine use in this report were very much in line with the trends identified in a 2003 NACD report on cocaine use:
“What makes this report different to 2003 is the extent of information available to us on the impact of cocaine in the community. Communities are experiencing the consequences in terms of sharp increases in public disturbance, noise, intimidation and violence. Individuals are experiencing the consequences in terms of disrupted personal relationships, reduced productivity, loss of employment and income, as well as physical and/or mental ill-health.”
Dr Corrigan explained that the physical health problems caused by cocaine use affect the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys and nose, with intravenous cocaine use leading to abscesses, clots, as well as a range of infections including HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The mental health problems include depression, anxiety, agitation, compulsive behaviour, paranoia and aggression. The toxic effects of cocaine are heightened when it is combined with alcohol.
Ms Patricia O’Connor, Director of the NDST, added:
“It is imperative that the information in this report be used by policy makers, service providers, general practitioners, hospital consultants and community groups to better understand the impact of cocaine on individuals, families and communities. We must strive to make services more visible and attractive to those who may need to benefit from them.”
The thirteen recommendations in the report, principally focusing on treatment, but also covering supply, prevention and research will now be followed up by the relevant Departments and Agencies and others involved in the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy.
Notes to the Editor:
The core mandate of the Team is to effectively oversee the operation of LDTFs/RDTFs. In addition the Team is mandated to (a) ensure effective coordination between Departments and agencies, and identify and (b) consider policy issues and ensure that policy is informed by the work of and lessons from the LDTFs / RDTFs, through joint meetings with the IDG (Ref: 3.6.5 Page 121, Action 85: NDS).
The terms of reference of the NDST, as defined in the NDS (Ref: page 121 action 85)