'Gemma' is a pretty 29-year-old with green eyes and spiky hair. She's used drugs since she was 21. It's the usual story of "nothing to do, easy availability and everyone else was doing it".
Four years ago, she became stabilised on 30 milligrams of methadone a day, a moderately low dose. She is enrolled in the education programme of Addiction Response Crumlin and hopes to get a decent job. ("Make that university," says Susan Collins, the association's feisty co-ordinator.)
Ear acupuncture has been great in relieving stress and promoting relaxation, says Gemma, who tries to have at least two treatments a week. "When I feel bad, it helps me feel better, and if I'm feeling good, it makes me feel even better."