Young people were tonight urged to say no to drugs this Christmas. The Bishops of the Catholic Church called on those faced with the option of using drugs over Christmas to consider the choices they make, the risks involved and the real harm users could cause to themselves and their families.
At the December General Meeting of the Irish Bishops' Conference in Maynooth, the senior churchmen discussed their concerns over the ever-increasing use of cocaine throughout every village and town in the country.
Bishops of The Catholic Church
"There is no such thing as a 100 per cent safe use of any illegal drug, and this is also true for the euphemistically termed "social/recreational" use of cocaine or other stimulants," the Bishops said.
"There are always high risks of overdose due to contamination, lack of tolerance to purity or the mixing with other drugs, especially alcohol."
Members at the general meeting called on young people and youth leaders within our communities to promote alternative lifestyle choices such as sports, voluntary work and other hobbies.
The Bishops spoke out just days after 21-year-old Kevin Doyle, from Waterford, died after eating cocaine at a house party. John Grey (23) remains in a coma in Waterford General Hospital.
They asked the faithful to join with them in prayer and remembrance of those who have suffered, and for their families, due to the use of drugs in our communities.
Prayers of support will also be said for agencies and volunteers who reach out to those who have been damaged by the use of drugs, including their families and friends.
"Let us all play our part in making this Christmas be a joyful, peaceful and prayerful time without the pain and sadness of drug and alcohol related deaths," they added.