A new report on drug abuse in the Mid Western Health Board area reveals that the number of heroin-users receiving treatment in the region increased by more than 200 per cent in the period 1996 to 2000.
The report drawn up by the Dublin-based Drug Misuse Research Division of the Health Research Board shows the number of heroin-users receiving treatment has increased from 26 in 1996 to 82 in 2000 - an increase of 215 per cent over the study period.
While the Dublin area contains the largest number of heroin-users in the State, the publication of the study follows reports of considerable rises in levels of heroin abuse in Portlaoise since the start of the year.
The study states that in the mid-west, those presenting for drug treatment increased from 83 in 1996 to 327 in 2000 - an increase of almost 300 per cent over the period. Cannabis was the main drug of misuse at 53 per cent in 2000 - an increase of 20 per cent on the 1996 figure, while opiates was the second-highest, accounting for 27 per cent of those receiving treatment.
The report says the typical client coming for treatment is male, in his late teens or early twenties and living in the family home.
