“Far more people die from overdose every year than die on the roads, but each death is just as devastating to the children, families and friends of those who die.”
That is the message being delivered by Tony Duffin, the director of the Ana Liffey project, on International Overdose Awareness Day.
“It’s a major health concern, and there are simple steps we can take to limit the impact it is currently having. We need to be brave in our policies.”
He has called for medically-supervised injecting centres where people can inject legally obtained drugs in a clinical setting.
“MSICs are an evidence based intervention, which can be effective in tackling serious issues around drug use – including overdose, improving access to treatment and rehabilitation and public injecting,” he explains. “These are all issues in Ireland today.”
Tony Geoghegan, CEO of Merchant’s Quay Ireland joined Duffin in calling for innovative responses to overdose.
“We need to support people who are at risk of overdose. We need to invest in pathways for people to ensure that there are routes from isolated, street based drug use through to treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare. Innovative approaches like drug consumption rooms have a place in that continuum, along with increased investment in residential treatment beds to ensure that timely treatment is available when it is needed.”
Source: Sinead O'Carroll, thejournal.ie, 31/08/14
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
