MAJOR INCREASES in problem drug use around the State have been highlighted in a new report from the Health Research Board (HRB). It showed that there were 68,754 cases involving drug problems between 2001 and 2006.
The prevalence of treated problem drug use among 15- to 64-year-olds increased by 15 per cent during that time, according to the Trends in Treated Problem Drug Use in Ireland, 2001 to 2006 report.
“This increase consists mainly of previously-treated cases, indicating that problem drug use is a chronic health condition that requires repeated episodes of treatment over time or continued treatment for an extended period of time,” the authors said.
Some 198 new cases presented for help in that period. Dr Jean Long, one of the authors and head of the HRB’s alcohol and drug research unit, said this relatively small increase in new cases “masks stark trends” in HSE areas over the six-year period.
“For example, the number of new cases increased by 100 per cent in the western area, which includes Galway, Mayo and Roscommon,” she said.
The numbers of new cases increased by 76 per cent in the southeast; 57 per cent in the midlands; 37 per cent in the northeast and 33 per cent in the midwest.
The vast majority (72 per cent) of new cases treated between 2001 and 2006 reported problem use of more than one substance.
Cannabis was the main problem drug reported by new cases (41 per cent), followed by heroin and other opiates (39 per cent) and cocaine (9 per cent).
The research found huge regional variations in the main problem drugs. “Heroin remains the main problem drug reported by new cases in Dublin in spite of a 31 per cent decrease in the number of new opiate cases who lived in Dublin,” Dr Long said, and indicated that the heroin epidemic had abated in Dublin.
“In contrast, there was a 96 per cent increase in the number of new opiate cases outside Dublin.”
This regional increase, combined with the numbers waiting for methadone treatment, suggested that more methadone treatment places were needed outside Dublin, Dr Long said.
