A drugs/AIDS helpline for drug users, their parents, friends and health-care workers has been introduced by the Eastern Health Board.
The service is in addition to the board's existing drugs services which are delivered through 18 locations throughout the region. The helpline is part of a £14 million plan to tackle drug misuse and AIDS in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.
Along with the new helpline, the EHB has a number of initiatives in place, including the establishment of six addiction centres, 10
satellite treatment clinics for drug users and an increase in the number of places at the board's detoxification centre from 12 to 17.
A 12-bed in-patient stabilisation unit is also to be established.
More than 2,300 drug misusers are participating in methadone treatment programmes, and the after-care and rehabilitation centres are being expanded and new units are to be opened. The new helpline number is 1800 459 459.