FAMILIES OF people with drug problems have warned of a “huge risk” that drug use will increase as the recession deepens.
The Family Support Network, which helps families of drug users, said there was a well-established link between economic recession and drug use. Its national co-ordinator, Sadie Grace, said Dublin had witnessed epidemic levels of heroin addiction in the 1980s and this had been attributed to the social deprivation and marginalisation experienced at the time.
“In these times of great economic difficulty such an experience could be repeated, and there is a risk that drug services will fall victim to cutbacks and hinder the progress that has been made over recent years,” she said.
Ms Grace was speaking at the network’s 10th annual commemoration service. The event is held to remember relatives who have died from drug use and related causes.
She said there was no comparison between Government investment in preventing road deaths and drug-related deaths.
“We now have a Road Safety Authority as well as a consistent and well-funded national television and radio road safety campaign. While we applaud this effort, and are pleased to see road deaths reduced year after year, we would like to see a similar dedicated campaign applied to the drugs area,” she said.
“We in the Family Support Network believe we have the right to expect the same treatment and are calling on the Government to recognise and consider the lives of drug users and their families.”
She also called for new policies to support families to cope with having a drug user in the home.
The congregation at yesterday’s remembrance ceremony in Seán McDermott Street Church included the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne.
