Increase in Drug Misuse in Southeast

The number of people seeking help for heroin and cocaine misuse in the south east (SE) continues to increase, according to a new report by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The report shows that in Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and south Tipperary 154 people were treated for cocaine use in 2007, compared with 101 in 2006. The number seeking treatment for heroin use in the region also increased from 199 in 2006 to 236 in 2007.

However, alcohol continues to be the main drug misused in the SE region. Of the 2,261 people treated for drug misuse in the SE:

• 64% were treated for alcohol misuse
• 12% were treated for cannabis
• 10% were treated for heroin
• 7% were treated for cocaine

The majority of people presenting for treatment are males in the 20-24 age group. Worryingly, 20 of those treated were aged 12-14, 93 were aged 15-17 and 121 were aged 18-19.

Overall, the majority of people attending services were Irish.

Posted Wednesday 27th August 2008