Ireland

Mol an Óige/Family Preservation: final evaluation report.

Coen, Liam and Canavan, John and Brennan, Mark (2012). UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI, Galway; HSE West (Mayo and Roscommon) Child and Family Services, Galway

In 2007, HSE West Child and Family Services in Mayo and Roscommon introduced a new way of working with children and Families. Known as Mol an Óige, this new way of working was modelled on an approach developed and operated by Boys Town USA. Three distinct parts were adopted from the American organisation: the In-Home Family Preservation service; the Treatment Foster Care service; and the Common Sense Parenting programme. As part of this new arrangement, Child and Family Services in both counties asked the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre to evaluate the In-Home Family Preservation and Treatment Foster Care services. This report is the evaluation of the former, the In-Home Family Preservation service.

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National Advisory Committee on Drugs Annual Report 2011

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) (2012)

2011 National report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland

National focal point, Lisbon, November 2012

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member state. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others for the compilation of its 'Annual report'.

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DRUG AND ALCOHOL MISUSE AMONG ADULT OFFENDERS ON PROBATION SUPERVISION IN IRELAND

Probation Service Research Report (2012)

This report presents the findings from the Drugs and Alcohol Survey 2011 conducted by the Probation Service.

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My world survey: national study of youth mental health in Ireland

Headstrong – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health; UCD School of Psychology (2012)

Developed by Headstrong and UCD School of Psychology following a review of positive and negative functioning in youth mental health. Negative risk factors include alcohol and drugs use.

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General Population Survey on Drug Prevalence 2010/2011

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (2012)

This volume contains the research methodology used in the third General Population Survey on Drug Prevalence in the Republic of Ireland conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) in Ireland.

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Drug use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 2010/11 drug prevalence survey: sedatives or tranquillisers and anti-depressants results. Bulletin 6.

National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Public Health Information and Research Branch (2012)

This bulletin presents key findings regarding the use of sedatives or tranquillisers and anti-depressant in Ireland and Northern Ireland from the third drug prevalence survey of households in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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Drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users in Ireland: Revised 2009 figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index. 

Health Research Board (2012)

This update presents figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) on deaths due to poisoning by alcohol and/or other drugs, and deaths among drug users, in the period 2004–2009. Alcohol-only poisonings have been retrospectively recorded by the NDRDI from 2004 onwards and are included in this update. The figures in this update supersede all previously published figures.

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Drug use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm in Ireland 2010/2011 drug prevalence survey. Bulletin 7. 

National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Public Health Information and Research Branch (2012)

This bulletin presents the main findings on alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm among adults in Ireland from 2010/11 Drug Prevalence Survey. The survey sampled a representative number of people aged between 15 and 64 during late 2010 and early 2011. This is the first NACD Drug Prevalence Survey to include a comprehensive series of questions on both the rates and patterns of alcohol consumption in Ireland and on alcohol-related harm. Supplemental material: Alcohol results presentation

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Drug use in Ireland and Northern Ireland drug prevalence survey 2010/11: Regional Drug Task Force (Ireland) and Health and Social Services Trust (Northern Ireland) results. Bulletin 2. 

National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Public Health Information and Research Branch (2012)

This bulletin presents key findings at a local level from the third drug prevalence survey of households in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The survey sampled a representative number of people aged between 15 and 64 during late 2010 and early 2011. The survey was carried out according to standards set by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). 

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Health in Ireland: key trends 2012. 

Department of Health (2012)

Health in Ireland: Key Trends 2012 covers population and health status as well as trends in service provision. It is designed as an easy-to-use reference guide to significant trends in health and health care over the past decade.

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Risk and protection factors for substance use among young people. A comparative study of early school-leavers and school-attending students.

Haase, Trutz and Pratschke, Jonathan (2011) Youth Studies Ireland, 6 (2). pp. 1-9.

Summary of a report commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs

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Irish Focal Point (2010) 2010 National Report (2009 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

National focal point, Lisbon, 2011

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member state. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others for the compilation of its 'Annual report'.

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A family affair? Supporting children living with parental substance misuse. A report of a national conference held in November 2011.

National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Alcohol Action Ireland, HSE Social Inclusion Department. (2011)

This conference originated from the findings of a literature review carried out by Dr. Justine Horgan, Senior Researcher National Advisory Committee on Drugs on the impact of parental substance misuse on children. The main finding of this review was that parental substance misuse can, and does, negatively impact on the health, development and welfare of children including both abuse and neglect

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Parental Substance Misuse: Addressing its Impact on Children - Key messages and recommendations from a review of the literature

Horgan, J. (2011) National Advisory Committee on Drugs

This literature review was prepared as part of the 2010/11 Work Programme of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, and in the context of Action 55 of the National Drugs Strategy.

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Parental Substance Misuse: Addressing its Impact on Children - A Review of the Literature

Horgan, J. (2011) National Advisory Committee on Drugs

This literature review was prepared as part of the 2010/11 Work Programme of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, and in the context of Action 55 of the National Drugs Strategy.

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Protocol for National Substance Misuse Rehabilitation Cohort Study. NACD Research Working Paper 3

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (2012)

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) commissioned the Centre for Drug Misuse Research at the University of Glasgow to design a protocol for a cohort study examining rehabilitation among Irish substance misusers.

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Research into methods and data sources for the estimation of prevalence of problematic opiate and cocaine use in Ireland

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) Research Working Paper Series No. 2 (2012)

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) commissioned the Centre for Drug Misuse Research at the University of Glasgow to examine the methods and data sources available to estimate the prevalence of problem opiate and cocaine use.

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Drug use in Ireland  Bulletin 1 and Northern Ireland: First results from the 2010/11 Drug Prevalence Survey

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) & Public Health Information and Research Branch  (PHIRB) (2011)

The bulletin presents key findings from the third drug prevalence survey of households in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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Pavee Pathways – Good practice guidelines for drug & alcohol services working with Travellers

Pavee Point Drugs Programme (2011)

These guidelines were developed following a year-long piece of research carried out with 30 drug misusing Travellers from across Ireland to see what works for them when engaging in support services.

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The potency of THC in cannabis products. NACD Research Working Paper Series No. 1

Colette Arnold, Forensic Science Laboratory (2011)

The first paper in the series deals with the potency of various cannabis products on the Irish market, in terms of its content of the main psychoactive component THC (short for Tetrahydrocannabinol). The NACD hopes to update the data in this report on a regular basis given the increasing international concern about rising THC levels particularly in herbal cannabis of the “Skunk” or “Weed” variety. Allied to the increased levels of THC in these varieties is the absence of a second key chemical called CBD which seems to block some of the effects of THC on the brain.

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Holding Pattern. An exploratory study of the lived experiences of those on methadone maintenance in Dublin North East

Dr. Marie Claire Van Hout / Mr. Tim Bingham. Dublin North East Drug Task Force (2011)

An exploratory study of the lived experiences of those on methadone maintenance in Dublin North East

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Treated problem alcohol use in Ireland, 2005 to 2010. HRB Trend Series 11.

Health Research Board (2011)

This paper describes trends in treated problem alcohol use in Ireland over the six-year period 2005 to 2010, as recorded by the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS).

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Hidden realities: children's exposure to risks from parental drinking in Ireland.

Hope. A. (2011) North West Alcohol Forum, Letterkenny.

This family and alcohol research study was developed by NWAF Ltd in partnership with existing structures within the NW Regional Drugs Task Force area.

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The use of benzodiazepines within the Traveller community.

Pavee Point Travellers Centre Drugs Programme (2011)

The Use of Benzodiazepines within the Traveller community: An overview of the extent of the problem with recommended actions for change.

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Assessment of Incidences of Alcohol-Related Brain Injury (ARBI) in the HSE West (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim) and Western health and Social Care Trust Areas.

HSE North West Alcohol Forum (2011)

Assessment of Incidences of Alcohol-Related Brain Injury (ARBI) in the HSE West (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim) and Western health and Social Care Trust Areas.

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Alcohol-related deaths and deaths among people who were alcohol dependent in Ireland, 2004 to 2008

Health Research Board Trends Series

Lyons, S., Lynn, E., Walsh, S., Sutton, M., and Long, J.. (2011)

This paper describes, for the first time, trends in alcohol-related deaths and deaths among people who were alcohol dependent in Ireland, as recorded by the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) for the years 2004−2008.

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An Overview of New Psychoactive Substances and the Outlets Supplying Them

Kelleher, C., Christie, R., Lalor, K., Fox, J., Bowden, M., and O’Donnell, C. for the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), (2011)

This report represents the outcome of a review of new psychoactive substances2 within the Irish context, including a review of the outlets that supply these substances. The review was commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) in accordance with Action 14 of the National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009–2016. Action 14 provides for the monitoring of ‘head shops’3 and other outlets for the sale of psychoactive substances, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations 2007. Researchers at the Centre for Social and Educational Research (CSER) within the School of Social Sciences and Law at Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), and at the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DIT), conducted the review between May and August 2010.

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Prevalence, predictors and perinatal outcomes of peri-conceptional alcohol exposure - retrospective cohort study in an urban obstetric population in Ireland

Mullally A et al, BioMed Central: Pregnancy and Childbirth, April 2011

Evidence-based advice on alcohol consumption is required for pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence, predictors and perinatal outcomes associated with peri-conceptional alcohol consumption. Public Health campaigns need to emphasise the importance of periconceptional health and pre-pregnancy planning. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is likely to be under-reported despite the high prevalence of alcohol consumption in this population.

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Housing people who misuse substances: Making Housing First work

Simon Brooke; A report commissioned by St Dominic’s Housing Association, March 2011

This report was commissioned by St Dominic’s Housing Association (SDHA), which was established in 2003 with the aim of developing a project that would provide hostel accommodation and support needs for homeless people with addiction problems in Tallaght.

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Teenage drinking cultures

Andrew Percy et al, for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, February 2011

This report investigates the influence of friendship groups on teenagers' drinking. The researchers identified eight groups of friends covering a mix of social class, gender and education, using data from the Belfast Youth Development Study. The 41 participants – aged 18 or 19 when interviewed – were asked about their drinking between the ages of 12 and 18. In this way, the researchers construct a picture of the groups’ drinking culture and how it developed as the friends grew older.

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Methadone and perinatal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

Cleary BJ, Donnelly JM, Strawbridge JD, et al. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, February 2011

This was a retrospective cohort study of 61,030 singleton births at a large maternity hospital in Dublin from 2000-2007. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among methadone maintenance treatment, perinatal outcomes, and neonatal abstinence syndrome.  

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WHO Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2011. Country Profile Ireland.

World Health Organisation, 2011

This country overview, from the Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2011) presents a comprehensive perspective on country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in Ireland

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WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2011. Country Profile Ireland

World Health Organisation, 2011

This country overview, from the Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic (2011) outlines prevalence of tobacco use, tobacco control measures and programmes, treatment and policy responses in Ireland.

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National Advisory Committee on Drugs Annual Report 2009

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) (2010)

2009 National Report (2008 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (2009). National focal point, Lisbon, 2011

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member state. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others for the compilation of its 'Annual report'.

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Introduction of the Opioid Treatment Protocol

Prof. Michael Farrell, Prof. Joe Barry and Jelena Ivanovic (2010)

A wide ranging review of the Methadone Treatment Protocol [1998], examining the current regulatory processes and oversight arrangements for opiate dependence treatment in Ireland. It is the first comprehensive external review following a consultation process with key stakeholders, including the voluntary and community sector.

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Risk and Protection Factors for Substance Use Among Young People

Trutz Haase and Dr. Jonathan Pratschke for the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD)

This report was prepared for the NACD by Trutz Haase, Social & Economic Consultant, and Dr. Jonathan Pratschke. It presents the results of a study of substance use among young people in Ireland based on information collected in 2008 during face-to-face interviews with 991 people, aged between 15 and 18. The target population comprised school-attending students and young people who, having left school, were attending either a Youthreach centre for education of FAS Community Training Centre. This latter population is described in this study as "early school-leavers" and represents approximately 12% of the full annual cohort of early school-leavers.

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A dizzying array of substances: an ethnographic study of drug use in the canal communities area

A. Jamie Saris and Fiona O'Reilly, 2010

This is a study of changing patterns of drug use in Inchicore, Rialto, and Bluebell, the areas served by the Canal Communities Local Drugs Task Force (CCLDTF), using data collected from September until the end of 2008, with some follow-up work in 2009. This report grows out of a belief within the Task Force that the ideas and structures that emerged as a response to the ‘drugs’crisis (almost exclusively defined in terms of opiates) in the 1990s might not be as relevant as they once were to drug use today, given the area’s rapidly developing built environment, changing demographic make-up, and the sense that the younger generation has a different understanding of(and perhaps different appetites for) ‘drugs’.

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A telephone survey of parental attitudes and behaviours regarding teenage drinking

Bobby P. Smyth et al, BMC Public Health, 2010

Irish teenagers demonstrate high rates of drunkenness and there has been a progressive fall in age of first drinking in recent decades. International research indicates that parents exert substantial influence over their teenager's drinking. We sought to determine the attitudes and behaviours of Irish parents towards drinking by their adolescent children.

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Lapse and relapse following inpatient treatment of opiate dependence

Bobby P. Smyth et al, The Irish Medical Journal, 2010

It has been known for many years that addictive disorders tend to run a chronic relapsing course. Despite the robust evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of methadone maintenance in the treatment of opiate dependence, many patients seek abstinence based treatments. A growing body of experts, both nationally and internationally, are calling for much greater provision of such treatments.

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A Standard Drink in Ireland: What Strength?

A Health Service Executive Report - Ann Hope, August 2009

The purpose of the study was to examine the different alcoholic beverages currently available in Ireland, in terms of beverage categories, the alcohol content and serving size of typical drinks and other relevant information. The findings of the study will help clinicians and health professionals to more accurately assess patient alcohol intake, provide a valid measure for inclusion in alcohol screening tools and help to inform policy on labelling and other relevant health information.

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Drug Use, Sex Work and the Risk Environment in Dublin

Gemma Cox and Teresa Whitaker, National Advisory Committee on Dugs, 2009

The key findings of this report are that drug-using sex workers are exposed to multiple risks and harms in their living and working lives. While the men and women interviewed implemented a range of innovative strategies to reduce their risk of harm, there is an acceptability associated with certain risk behaviours in certain circumstances. The physical, economic and social environments within which drug-using sex workers find themselves impact on their construction of ‘risk’ and ‘harm’. 

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Prevalence of problem alcohol use among patients attending primary care for methadone treatment

Niamh Ryder et al, BMCl Family Practice, June 2009

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of problem alcohol use among current or former heroin users attending primary care for methadone treatment and to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and health service utilisation characteristics associated with problem alcohol uses.

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The ROSIE Study: Drug Treatment Outcomes in Ireland

A Report for the National Advisory Committee on Drugs - Catherine Comiskey et al, June 2009

The Research Outcome Study in Ireland Evaluating Drug Treatment Effectiveness (ROSIE) was the first national, prospective, longitudinal drug treatment outcome study in Ireland. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and other intervention strategies for opiate use in Ireland. The Study recruited 404 opiate users entering treatment. Participants were interviewed at treatment intake, 1-year and 3 years after the baseline interview. This report presents outcomes at 1-year and 3 years for the whole population and the 'per protocol' population i.e. participants who completed all three interviews.

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Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland. Alcohol use in Ireland: A profile of drinking patterns and alcohol-related harm from SLÁN 2007

Department of Health and Children, December 2009

The SLÁN 2007 survey contained a series of questions relating to alcohol use. These included questions about frequency (how often) and quantity (how much) of alcohol consumed, as well as questions about alcohol-related harm. Quantity of alcohol consumed was assessed by asking respondents how many standard drinks were taken, a 'standard' drink being defined as a half pint or a glass of beer, lager or cider; a single measure of spirits; a single glass of wine, sherry or port; or a bottle of alcopop (long neck).

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Women and Substance Misuse in Ireland: Overview

The Women's Health Council, September 2009

The purpose of the papers is to explore women’s alcohol and drug misuse, focusing on gender differences and highlighting in particular the effects substance misuse has on women’s health. The aim of the present paper is to provide an overview of the topics of most concern regarding women and substance misuse. The Women’s Health Council envisages that the papers will be of interest to policy and strategy makers, as well as health service providers and those with an interest in women’s health.

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Women and Substance Misuse in Ireland: Alcohol & Women's Health in Ireland

The Women's Health Council, 2009

Research has shown that alcohol has specific, negative effects for women’s health, of which it is essential that women be aware. This paper will investigate current trends, examine the particular circumstances that lead to and result from problematic drinking among women, and draw out the particular effects of alcohol on women's health and well-being. The Council envisages that the paper will be of interest to policy and strategy makers, as well as health service providers and those with an interest in women's health.

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Women and Substance Misuse in Ireland: Drug Misuse & Women's Health in Ireland

The Women's Health Council, 2009

The paper will examine the misuse of both legal and illicit drugs. The Council envisages that it will be of interest to policy and strategy makers, as well as health service providers and those with an interest in women’s health.

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Get 'em Young: Mapping young people's exposure to alcohol marketing in Ireland

The Women's Health Council, 2009

The purpose of this research project is to examine if Ireland’s stated commitment to protect young people from pressure to drink is reflected in the actual experience of young people.

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Minor Tranquillisers & Sedatives: Use and Misuse in the West of Ireland

Western Region Drugs Task Force - Kealan Flynm, February 2009

In order to significantly reduce harm we must first identify the causes. This report focuses primarily on the three parties involved in a prescription: the Prescriber, the Pharmacist and the Patient; and brings together perspectives from service providers and service users aswell as official statistical sources. This document contains disquieting evidence of the misuse of minor tranquillisers and sedatives and of poor prescribing patterns. However, it is important to note that many GPs do adhere to the Good Practice Prescribing Guidelines for Clinicians, issued in 2002. This report also makes important observations in relation to the monitoring systems currently in place.

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Substance Misuse in the Traveller Community: A Regional Needs Assessment

Western Region Drugs Task Force - Marie Claire Van Hout, February 2009

This report focuses perceptions of substance use from the perspectives of both service providers and members of the Traveller community. It discusses the causes of substance misuse among the Traveller community, the factors that may lead to drug dependency such as social exclusion, poverty, poor health and the relationship between the Traveller community and service providers.

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Substance Use in New Communities: A Way Forward

Western Region Drugs Task Force - Colette Kelly, Cliona Fitzpatrick and Saoirse Nic Gabhainn

This document presents an overview of the new communities in the west of Ireland; selects the largest new communities in the west of Ireland and describes substance use in their countries of origin; explores substance use in Ireland in general and among new communities in Ireland, with a focus on the west of Ireland; and reviews the risk factors for substance use in new communities. The final sections outline the barriers to effective service utilisation and possible service level responses, including recommendations for relevant service provision to and with members of new communities in the west.

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Social consequences of harmful use of alcohol in Ireland (HRB Overview Series)

Deirdre Mongan et al, Health Research Board, Dublin, 2009

The purpose of this Overview is to compile and analyse the available data on the social consequences of harmful use of alcohol in Ireland. The methods used involved a combination of archival data, survey research results and research literature.

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Trends in deaths among drug users in Ireland from traumatic and medical causes, 1998 to 2005 (HRB Trends Series)

Ena Lynne et al, Health Research Board, Dublin, 2009

Over the eight-year period 1998–2005, 885 drug users died. Two in every three died as a result of trauma, such as a road traffic collision, and one in three died from a medical cause, such as liver disease.

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Prevalence of opiate use in Ireland 2006: a 3-Source capture recapture study

A Report to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs - Alan Kelly et al, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, 2009

This study estimates the prevalence of problem opiate use in Ireland in 2006 using a 3-source capture-recapture method. The three population sources employed to calculate the estimate were the Central (methadone) Treatment List (CTL), the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme (HIPE) and the Garda list of opiate users.

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Trends in treated problem opiate use in Ireland, 2002 to 2007 (HRB Trends Series)

Anne Marie Carew et al, Health Research Board, Dublin, 2009

The data presented in this paper describe trends in treated problem opiate use in Ireland between 2002 and 2007.

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Trends in treated problem cocaine use in Ireland, 2002 to 2007 (HRB Trends Series)

Delphine Bellarose et al, Health Research Board, Dublin, 2009

The data presented in this paper describe trends in treated problem cocaine use in Ireland between 2002 and 2007.

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Development of Ireland’s drug strategy 2000–2007 (HRB Overview Series)

Brigid Pike, Health Research Board, 2009

The National Drug Strategy (NDS) represented the first attempt to adopt a strategic approach to the illicit drugs issue in Ireland. This overview seeks to analyse the NDS as policy instrument: it explores how the NDS was designed and developed, and the strategic management processes and governance arrangements put in place to support implementation. The objective is to gain insights into how these infrastructural elements may influence the outcomes of the strategy.

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National Advisory Committee on Drugs Annual Report 2007

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) (2008)

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2008 National Report (2007 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (2008), National focal point, Ireland, October 2008

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member state. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others for the compilation of its 'Annual report'.

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Alcohol in Fatal Road Crashes in Ireland: 2003 to 2005

Population Health Directorate, HSE, December 2008

Alcohol has been recognised as a major factor in road crashes. However, no official data are provided in Ireland to indicate what proportion of the deaths on Irish roads has alcohol as a contributory factor. Irish drivers do drink alcohol and drive. A study on fatal crashes in 2003 showed that over a third of fatal crashes were alcohol related. The aim of this study was to build on the data for 2003 and provide information on the extent of the relationship between drink driving and fatal crashes in 2004 and 2005.

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Young People, Alcohol and Drugs

Dr. Deirdre Palmer and Dr. Gary O’ Reilly, Juvenile Mental Health Matters, May 2008

The research compared a community group of adolescents (n = 462) to a similar aged clinical group of adolescents in residential treatment for substance misuse (n = 30) in the South and South East of Ireland on substance use behaviour, coping style, motivations for alcohol and drug use and family functioning. The most problematic substance users in the community sample and the clinical group indicated poorer family functioning relative to some less problematic substance user groups. Implications of the current findings for service development, policy development. 

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Teenager's Views on Solutions to Alcohol Misuse: Report on a National Consultation

Office of the Minister for Children & the Department of Health and Children, 2008

A diverse and representative group of 257 young people, between the ages of 12 and 18, were consulted with in 5 locations across the country. The consultations were designed to explore how young people themselves view teenage drinking and also to seek their views on the most effective ways of dealing with excessive teenage drinking.

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Alcohol-related harm in Ireland. A Health Service Executive Report

Ann Hope, Health Service Executive Alcohol Implementation Group, 2008

Alcohol is the third highest risk factor for premature death and ill-health in the European Union. The harm from alcohol is linked to a range of health and social problems such as accidents, injuries, chronic ill-health, premature death, public safety, violence, child neglect, marital problems and lost productivity. This report summarises alcohol harm in Ireland.

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Crack cocaine in the Dublin region: an evidence base for a crack cocaine strategy (HRB Research Series)

Johnny Connolly et al, Health Research Board, 2008

The Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (ADRU) of the Health Research Board (HRB) was commissioned to complete the study using a rapid situation assessment method. The study involved a review of findings from relevant research, the collection and analysis of up-to-date drug-treatment and criminal justice data, and interviews and focus groups with crack users, service providers and the Garda National Drugs Unit.

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Drug treatment: an assessment of needs in the North East region - A Report for the North-East Drugs Task Force

Niall Watters, Unique Perspectives, Dublin, 2008

The North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force was established in 2003 to ensure the development of a co-ordinated and integrated response to tackling drugs problems in Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan. As part of its strategic focus on drug problems in the north east region, the NE-RDTF commissioned this needs assessment study which relates to both in-patient and out-patient drug treatment services of the task force catchment/the HSE Dublin/North East area.

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Evaluation of the Safetynet Methadone Programme pilot at the Dublin Simon Emergency Shelter

Carol Geraghty et al, Primary Care Safetynet for Homeless People, 2008

This internal evaluation of the Safetynet methadone programme in the Dublin Simon Emergency Shelter was undertaken after six months of programme implementation in order to evaluate its impact. Methods included interviews with staff and clients of the shelter, assessment of drug use and social functioning before and after commencing treatment and an analysis of quantitative Shelter and nursing data.

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Families under the influence

Shane Butler, The National Children’s Resource Centre, Barnardos (2008)

Barnardos works with many families where children and young people are experiencing material, physical and emotional neglect because a parent or carer is unable to care properly for their children due to the effects of problem drinking. Children are victims both in the case of parental problem drinking where children fail to develop due to family neglect and in the case of underage drinking where young people are innocent victims of the alcohol industry and the saturation advertising of alcohol directed at young people. Parents need to be aware of how their children are spending their time and money. Finally, an effective ban on alcohol advertising directed at young people needs serious consideration.

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'Our opinions matter': Action research project with parents and children in the Canal Communities. Final report to Canal Communities Partnership 2008

Noirin Hayes et al, Canal Communities Partnership  (2008)

Development of meaningful and effective supports for parents and children is an important focus in the work of the Canal Communities Partnership (CCP).The initial discussions for this work focused on whether, the supports on offer were helpful and meeting the needs of children and parents. Through the research, parents and children have enlightened services to the complexity of the issues impacting on family life, that can prevent or make it difficult to access supports including parenting support programmes. The report emphasises the huge level of need which exists within the canal communities’ area. It identifies that ongoing effective communication with residents needs to be established in order for services to successfully address parents’ needs. In this report a model is proposed in which services and residents work in partnership to ensure the effective flow of information within the Canal Communities Area.

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Step-down programme, Georges Hill: Evaluation report for Focus Ireland

Juniper Consulting (2008)

The Step Down programme provides a short term housing programme to enable men and women who have completed drug rehabilitation to move into appropriate housing and live independently in a supported environment. The programme is a partnership between Focus Ireland, Keltoi and the Rehabilitation Integration Service (RIS) and the three agencies work in partnership to provide a seamless service to the client. Consultations were undertaken with Step Down’s staff and clients as part of the evaluation. The consultations revealed that the programme has been a very positive experience for both staff and clients.

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Trends in treated problem drug use in Ireland, 2001 to 2006 (HRB Trends Series)

Siobhan Reynolds et al, Health Research Board (2008)

The data presented in this paper describe trends in treated problem drug use in Ireland between 2001 and 2006. The paper describes treated problem drug use in relation to person, place and time.

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Trends in treated problem alcohol use in Ireland, 2004 to 2006 (HRB Trends Series)

Sarah Fanagan et al, Health Research Board (2008)

The data presented in this paper describe trends in treated problem alcohol use in Ireland and the analysis is based on data reported to the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS).

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Trends in drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users in Ireland, 1998 to 2005. (HRB Trends Series)

Dr Suzie Lyons, Health Research Board (2008)

The data presented in this paper describe trends in drug-related deaths in Ireland between 1998 and 2005.

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National Advisory Committee on Drugs Annual Report 2006

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD (2007)

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2007 National Report (2006 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (2007), National focal point, Ireland, October 2007

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member state. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others for the compilation of its 'Annual report'.

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Alcohol Consumption in Ireland: 1986 – 2006

Anne Hope, Report for the HSE Alcohol Implementation Group (2007)

Alcohol consumption in Ireland is examined firstly using the alcohol sales figures provided by the Revenue Commissioners and secondly by adjusting for the population. Alcohol consumed across the population is presented both in terms of per capita (total population) and per adult (aged 15 years and over).

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A Process Evaluation of the National Drugs Awareness Campaign 2003-2005

Jane Sixsmith et al, Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway (2007)

This report presents two distinctly separate pieces of work carried out. The first part provides an assessment of the effectiveness of mass media campaigns for drugs prevention and harm reduction through a critical examination of the literature in the area. The second presents the results of research tracking the process of campaign development from November 2003 to October 2005. It also describes the perceived efficacy of campaign and organisational components that contributed to the process of campaign development. Finally, in the conclusion, the National Drugs Awareness Campaign is considered against criteria identifi ed from the research literature for campaign success.

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The Experiences of Families Seeking Support in Coping with Heroin Use. National Advisory Committee on Drugs

Carmel Duggan (2007)

This study examined the experiences of families seeking support to cope with problem opiate use, and specifically heroin use, on the part of one or more family members. The overall objective of the study was to develop a greater understanding of the ways in which these families, and in particular the person in the family with the primary caring role, sought support, their expectations in doing so and their perception of the adequacy or effectiveness of the responses they received. The concept of support was broadly defined and included provision from the statutory, private or community sector that was accessed by families as they sought to respond to heroin use. It also included informal supports such as those provided by family, friends and neighbours.

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An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland: II

A Joint Report from the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and the National Drugs Strategy Team, 2007

This report is intended to set out an understanding of cocaine in the Irish context by examining the issues such as prevalence, treatment, consequences, prevention and harm reduction. The report examines how cocaine affects the individual physically and mentally (chapter 2); it provides knowledge on the extent of use in the international as well as the national contexts (chapter 3); it provides information relating to trends in cocaine supply (chapter 4); it provides information about those seeking treatment for cocaine as their primary problem drug and as a secondary problem drug and outcomes data from the ROSIE study (chapter 5); it considers the consequences of cocaine use/availability for communities including marginalised groups (chapter 6); it reviews responses to cocaine in the literature (chapter 7) and finally, it presents a conclusions chapter with recommendations to Government (chapter 8).

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Evaluation of the Pilot Community and Voluntary Sector Research Grant Scheme 2001-2005 for the National Advisory Committee on Drugs

Kate Ennals, December 2007

The Evaluation Report of the NACD Community and Voluntary Sector Research Grant Scheme (CVRGS) shows how the CVRGS was a very “positive experience”1 for the four community organisations that were successful in producing a final research report.

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The Effectiveness of Court Appointed Drug Education: The perspectives of the voluntary sector

Fran Giaquinto for Crosscare Drug & Alcohol Programme, December 2007

Crosscare Drug & Alcohol Programme (DAP) commissioned this research to review the effectiveness of court appointed drug education from the perspective of the voluntary sector. Allied Irish Bank’s Better Ireland Programme kindly provided the funding. The aims were to 1) clarify the purpose and delivery mechanisms for drug/alcohol education required by the Courts; 2) establish if the voluntary drug education sector is the appropriate means by which to deliver this service, and 3) identify best practice for voluntary drug education.

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The health concerns of clients on methadone maintenance: A study by the nurses' health promotion committee

The Health Promotion Committee, September 2007

As this example illustrates, the actual health status and needs of clients may be considerably different from the concerns the client has. Ideally, staff and clients will have a shared view as to what the health needs are as this will promote an alliance whereby staff and patient are working together on agreed goals. This may require staff to negotiate goals with clients, but they first need to gain an understanding of the health concerns of the client. It is hoped that this research will go someway towards giving a voice to the health concerns of clients in the methadone maintenance programmes. In addition it will also assess the ability of staff to gauge their client’s health concerns. It is important to bear in mind that this is not research into either the health needs or status of clients.

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Alcohol in the Life of Young People

Church of Ireland, 2007

This Church of Ireland publication looks at various aspects of alcohol and young people including the health, legal and biblical perspective. The social considerations and the response on the church are also considered. The document ends with recommendations and conclusions.

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The Coombe Women's Hospital : A study of alcohol, smoking & illicit drug use 1987 – 2005

The Coombe Women's Hospital, 2007

This survey is the largest study of its kind ever conducted in Ireland, surveying over 120,000 pregnant women from 1987 - 2005. Statistics on rates of smoking, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, alcohol intake, illicit drug use and birth outcome are presented. This study also includes conclusions and recommendations.

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Drug use amongst lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young adults in Ireland.

BeLonG to Youth Project, 2007

BeLonG to Youth Project, Ireland’s only designated LGBT youth service, secured funding through Pobal to commission research with young LGBT people between the ages of 18 and 26 to determine a) the extend and causes of drug use amongst this client group b) the impact of drugs on young people and c) the type of service response that is appropriate to meet tehe needs of those who are currently using drugs or who may potentially begin to do so in the future. As a general aspiration, the research strives to provide evidence that can support the development of BeLonG To services for young LGBT drug users.

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National Advisory Committee on Drugs Progress Report August 2003 to December 2005

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) (2006)

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2006 National Report (2005 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

HRB Drug Misuse Research Division (2006), National focal point, Dublin, October 2006

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member State. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others, for the compilation of its Annual report.

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A Community Drugs Study: Developing Community Indicators for Problem Drug Use

Hilda Loughran and Mary Ellen McCann, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, November 2006

A portrait of a community drugs problem emerges from the study as follows: a) increasing polydrug use; b) alcohol misuse, public nuisance/disturbance and underage drinking; c) open drug dealing associated with violence and intimidation; d) drug related deaths; e) sense of fear/safety in public places leading to restricted use of local amenities; f) frustration over treatment waiting lists, poor access to treatment; g) frustration over the provision of policing services leading to a deterioration in relations between local community and local Gardaí. 

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Ballymun Community Case Study: Experiences and Perceptions of Problem Drug Use

Hilda Loughran and Mary Ellen McCann, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, November 2006

The goals of this study were to capture the experiences of communities of the drug problem since 1996 with a view to informing the development of a set of community indicators of a community drug problem. An innovative methodology of community participation in research was used; the lead researchers from University College Dublin (UCD) recruited local people as research assistants through community based projects in the three communities under investigation: Ballymun, Bray and Crumlin. These communities varied in their social and economic environments. Twelve themes, producing valuable snapshots of change amongst these communities, contribute to the growing awareness that polydrug use is an issue within Dublin.

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Bray Community Case Study: Experiences and Perceptions of Problem Drug Use

Hilda Loughran and Mary Ellen McCann, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, November 2006

The goals of this study were to capture the experiences of communities of the drug problem since 1996 with a view to informing the development of a set of community indicators of a community drug problem. An innovative methodology of community participation in research was used; the lead researchers from University College Dublin (UCD) recruited local people as research assistants through community based projects in the three communities under investigation: Ballymun, Bray and Crumlin. These communities varied in their social and economic environments. Twelve themes, producing valuable snapshots of change amongst these communities, contribute to the growing awareness that polydrug use is an issue within Dublin.

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Crumlin Community Case Study: Experiences and Perceptions of Problem Drug Use

Hilda Loughran and Mary Ellen McCann, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, November 2006

The goals of this study were to capture the experiences of communities of the drug problem since 1996 with a view to informing the development of a set of community indicators of a community drug problem. An innovative methodology of community participation in research was used; the lead researchers from University College Dublin (UCD) recruited local people as research assistants through community based projects in the three communities under investigation: Ballymun, Bray and Crumlin. These communities varied in their social and economic environments. Twelve themes, producing valuable snapshots of change amongst these communities, contribute to the growing awareness that polydrug use is an issue within Dublin.

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Alcohol Aware Practice Service Initiative: April 2005 – March 2006

R. Anderson et al. HSE (2006)

Alcohol problems have been presenting in epidemic proportions over the past two decades. Primary Care staff needs help and support to manage the range of alcohol problems that they encounter in their daily work. The Alcohol Aware Practice Service Initiative’s principle aims were to help patients with a range of alcohol problems and to determine whether Brief Interventions are effective in this area. Valuable lessons have been learned regarding both the service initiative and the recording/data analysis aspects.

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Blanchardstown Dial to Stop Dealing: Campaign evaluation, executive summary report.

Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force, Public Communications Centre, 2006

This report looks at the first six weeks of the Dial to Stop Dealing campaign which was set up in January 2006 in Blanchardstown. It was part of the supply reduction programme by The Blanchardstown Local Drug Task Force (BLDTF)and was unique in that phone number used was not operated by the Gardaí. The findings were subjected to regression analysis, with data coming from daily reports from the call centre, reports from the Gardaí and a public survey. This summary includes the project outline, key findings and recommendations.

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Children, Youth and Tobacco: Behaviour, Perceptions and Public Attitudes

Office of Tobacco Control, November 2006

This report, focusing on children, youth and tobacco, looks specifically at five key areas: 1. Expenditure amongst children and young people; 2. Smoking behaviour among young people and the population aged 8+; 3. The impact of pricing on purchasing decisions; 4. Public attitudes and perceptions regarding smoking; 5. Branding and marketing awareness of tobacco products among young people and the population aged 8+.

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An Exploratory Study to Establish the Extent of Cocaine Use in the Cabra Area

Marie Claire Van Hout-Kent, Commissioned by the Cabra Resource Centre, 2006

This research was commissioned by the Cabra Resource Centre and its primary aim was to investigate local levels and patterns of cocaine use in Cabra. The study was undertaken against a backdrop of anecdotal and impressionistic evidence suggesting that cocaine is very much 'around', more easily procured than previously and making a conspicuous breakthrough on the drug scene. Hence, this research sought to locate and analyse all available data identified as potentially useful in an assessment of the extent and nature of cocaine use in the Cabra area.

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An Overview of the Nature and Extent of Illicit Drug use amongst the Traveller Community: An Exploratory Study

Jane Fountain, National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, October 2006

This report presents the findings of an exploratory study aimed at assessing the nature and extent of drug use amongst the Traveller community in Ireland. The results are intended to inform the policy debate by providing data on drug use, problematic drug use, patterns of drug use, drug-related risk behaviours, the impact of drug use on the Traveller community, and gaps in service provision, thus highlighting the needs of Travellers for drug service planners, commissioners, and providers.

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2005 National Report (2004 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

HRB Drug Misuse Research Division (2005), National focal point, Dublin, October 2005

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member State. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others, for the compilation of its Annual report.

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Alcohol and injuries in the accident and emergency department: A national perspective

John Sheehan et al, Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children, 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of alcohol and injuries, with a specific focus in the A & E Departments in acute hospitals. The six hospitals were selected to achieve a wide geographic and demographic distribution across the country - Mater Misercordiae University Hospital in Dublin , Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, University College Hospital Galway, Sligo General Hospital, Letterkenny General Hospital and Waterford Regional Hospital. Data was collected using a standard 25 minute questionnaire, which included the type and cause of the presenting injury, drinking in the six hours prior to the injury, quantity and frequency of usual drinking habits, frequency of high consumption times during the last year, indicators of alcohol problems and alcohol dependency and demographic characteristics.

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Changing track: A study informing a juvenile arrest referral pilot in the north inner city

North Inner City Drugs Task Force, 2005

This publication is a summary of a more extensive report examining a specific pilot juvenile arrest referral scheme, which was set up in Dublin’s North Inner City during 2003. A key aim of the pilot scheme was to implement and review an early intervention system for juveniles detected by Gardaí as engaging in drug use and related crime, which subsequently refers them to relevant treatment and support services in the Health Service Executive Northern Area.

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Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign: A decade of achievement. Review of work carried out between 1995-2005 and considerations of future plans and priorities.

Citywide, 2005

Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign (hereafter called Citywide) was set up in 1995 as a community based response to the ever worsening drugs crisis in the Dublin area. It is considered that Citywide has achieved a significant amount since its establishment in 1995 and has provided advice, guidance and support to hundreds of local people who are involved in tackling the drugs crisis within their own communities. This review would be used to celebrate the achievements of Citywide and the work of local communities and community activists in developing a co-ordinated community based response to the drugs crisis. The outcomes from the review would also serve to inform and to influence the future priorities and focuses for Citywide over the next 3 – 5 year period.

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Darkness on the edge of town: An exploratory study of heroin misuse in Athlone and Portlaoise

Niall McElwee and Grainne Monaghan, Athlone Institute of Technology (2005)

This report was commissioned by the Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force. It examines, using quantitative and qulaitative methods, the extent and nature of heroin misuse in Athlone and Portlaoise towns. The report provides a range of short, medium and long term recommendations to policy makers and service providers.

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Drug rehabilitation: A view from the community

Citywide, 2005

The Mid-term Review of the National Drugs Strategy, published in June 2005, agreed that rehabilitation should become the fifth pillar of the Strategy. A Working Group has been set up to develop a strategy for the provision of integrated drug rehabilitation services. Citywide is represented on the group and one of our main priorities is to ensure that the rehabilitation strategy takes into account and builds on the extensive experience of local community organisations in delivering rehabilitation programmes, in particular through CE Special Drug Projects.

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Drug use among the homeless population in Ireland

Marie Lawless and Caroline Corr, NACD, 2005

The overall aim of this study was to assess the nature, extent and context of drug use among people who are homeless in Ireland. A total of 355 individuals experiencing homelessness agreed to participate in the survey questionnaire element of the study. In accordance with the tender specifications, the majority were from the Dublin homeless population (n=247; 70%), with the remaining participants (n=108; 30%) recruited from Cork, Galway and Limerick, 36 individuals respectively.

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Review of the methadone treatment protocol

Methadone Prescribing Implementation Committee, Department of Health and Children, 2005

In 2002 the Department of Health and Children requested the Methadone Prescribing Implementation Committee to conduct a review of the Methadone Protocol that was introduced in October 1998. The current structure of the Methadone Treatment Protocol and services was reviewed, including the expansion of client, GP and pharmacist service numbers since 1998. The committee received 46 submissions from a number of sources including individual members of the public, community groups, NGOs, health boards, health professionals working in the field of drug misuse and their representative bodies.

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We’re people too: Views of drug users on health services

Fiona O’Reilly et al, UISCE, Mountjoy Street Family Practice, Participation and Practice of Rights Project, June 2005

This report is the result of the collaborative effort of the Participation and Practice of Rights Project (PPR), UISCE (The Union for Improved Services Communication and Education) and the Mountjoy Street Family Practice (MJFP). There has been considerable expansion and improvements to Irish drug services over the last decade. However, the authors and participants in this report believe there still is room for the voice of drug users to be heard. Anecdotal information led the partners in this project to question whether drug users' experience of and access to health entitlements was equal to those of the general population. In a series of focus group discussions, 25 drug users were about asked about their experiences of health care services.

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Dying for heroin: The increasing opioid-related mortality in the Republic of Ireland, 1980-1999

Michael J. A. Kelleher et al, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 15, No. 6, pages 589-592, 2005

The study examined trends in opioid-related mortality over a 20-year period in the Republic of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland has seen a rapid increase in the number of opioid-related deaths over the 20-year period studied, from 0.01% of total deaths in 1980 to 0.15% in 1999. This is most marked in the younger age groups where, for example, it rose to 23% of 15-19 year old male deaths for 1997.

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An Overview of Scientific and other Information on Cannabis

Claire Collins et at, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, September 2004

This study is concerned with the consequences of cannabis use for the individual and society. It is concerned with the physical, the psychological, the educational and the mental health consequences, as well as the implications for public health, for society and for law enforcement. The study draws on relevant research from Ireland and abroad with a view to presenting a balanced account of how this illegal, but widely used substance affects a range of outcomes. This document draws on literature published up to early 2003. The intended readership of this report includes not only policy makers but also professionals in the public health area and journalists, as well as the general reader.

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Benzodiazepines-whose little helper? The role of Benzodiazepines in the development of substance misuse problems in Ballymun

Ballymun Youth Action Project, October 2004

The use and misuse of benzodiazepines within the Ballymun community has been an issue of concern for a number of years and this research project seeks to explore the phenomenon with a view to proposing appropriate responses. The research involved a review of the relevant literature and the collection of data from a variety of perspectives. The project was carried out using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods. Community-based focus groups were held, a pharmacy-based dispensing survey was carried out, and a key informant provided a professional view on medical practice related to the use of benzodiazepines. This three-pronged approach meant that the themes were examined from various different perspectives.

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A prevalence study of drug use by young people in a mixed suburban area

Dave Farrington and Alison Connor, Kilbarrack Coast Community Project, October 2004

This report includes the finding and conclusions of a research project carried out by the Kilbarrack Coast Community Project, (KCCP) which aimed to determine the levels and patterns of drug use, including tobacco and alcohol, among young people in the area. The research study utilised two main research methods. These were a survey, by questionnaire, of students from all primary and secondary schools located within the target area. Pupils from the target area attending secondary schools in the surrounding areas were also included. In addition, a smaller sample of young people who had left school were also surveyed. The second method entailed a series of interviews with a diverse range of people living or working in the community. This data provided a deeper understanding of some aspects of drug use by young people and also a means of checking the findings of the survey against the local knowledge of those who were interviewed. In addition to these two main approaches, the researchers considered a range of relevant literature, particularly reports based on previous surveys of young people’s drug use in Ireland.

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Drug use among new communities in Ireland. An exploratory study

Caroline Corr, Merchants Quay Ireland, October 2004

Problematic drug use is considered a global phenomenon. Substantial information is available through the European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) about drug use amongst various national groups that make up the European Union. However, Fountain et al. (2002: 8) argue that drug use among Black and minority ethnic groups in the EU is “under-researched, unacknowledged, ignored, unrecognised, or hidden by some policy-makers, drug researchers, drug service planners and commissioners, and by some members of some Black and minority ethnic groups”. The absence of any Irish research has meant a lack of information for drug service providers to identify and design appropriate treatment interventions or to address “the related challenges of cultural diversity, integration and racism” (Feldman et al., 2002: 4). Therefore, Merchants Quay Ireland applied to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) for funding to carry out an exploratory study to address these issues. Funding was granted through the Community/Voluntary Sector Research Grant Scheme.

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Heroin - the mental roof over your head. Links between homelessness and drug use

Marie Crawley and Mary Daly, Tallaght Homeless Advice Unit, October2004

Heroin – The Mental Roof Over Your Head is a research project that has examined the issues, policies and practices faced by heroin users in Tallaght and the links between homelessness and drug use. The research shows that there are strong links between homelessness and drug use – but that this is not reflected in Government policy or agency responses which in turn impacts negatively on the experience of homeless drug users. 

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Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Management of Dual Diagnosis in Ireland

Líam MacGabhann et al, November 2004

There is no consensus on a definition of dual diagnosis. This causes difficulties in standardising research methodologies and identifying clinical cohorts of people with dual diagnosis. Complex definitions pose challenges for the management of dual diagnosis, particularly when separate services provide care. However, several health and social care systems have met the challenges in different ways over time. There is evidence of high prevalence of dual diagnosis, clinically effective treatment and service approaches and guidelines for best practice.

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A Review of Harm Reduction Approaches in Ireland and Evidence from the International Literature

Moore, G., McCarthy, P., MacNeela, P., MacGabhann, M., Philbin, M., Proudfoot, D. Dublin City University, NACD 2004

Harm reduction is a concept aiming to prevent or reduce negative health consequences associated with certain behaviours. In relation to drug misuse, harm reduction components of comprehensive interventions aim to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections that occur through sharing of drugs and non-sterile drug-taking paraphernalia.

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The Role of Family Support Services in Drug Prevention

A Report for the National Advisory Committee on Drugs. Niall Watters and Duane Byrne, Unique Perspectives. November 2004

The role of the family - and family-based interventions - in responding to drug problems has been the subject of research internationally. The focus area of the present study is concerned in particular with family support services in their role of strengthening families to act as a buffer to drug problems.

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Benzodiazepine usage in the North Eastern Health Board region of the Republic of Ireland

Martin Henman et al, Trinity College Dublin; Uppsala Universitet, 2004

Benzodiazepines are a large group of drugs used as hypnotics, anxiolytics, and tranquillisers, anti convulsants, pre-medication and for intravenous sedation. Current European prescribing guidelines for usage of benzodiazepines for general anxiety is 4 weeks and 1-2 weeks for acute insomnia. Despite prescribing recommendations long-term use is widespread in medical practice, especially among elderly. For many years now concerns have been expressed over the inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Ireland. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of exploiting government General Medical Services (GMS) data to provide periodic drug utilisation reports, and assess benzodiazepine and related drug usage in the North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) region during the period January 2001 to June 2003. The results shows that the prescribing of benzodiazepines and related drugs gradually increased during the study period and was mainly due to an increasing for the benzodiazepine-related drugs zolpidem and zopiclone

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Benzodiazepines- whose little helper? The role of benzodiazepines in the development of substance misuse problems in Ballymun

Ballymun Youth Action Project, 2004

The use and misuse of benzodiazepines within the Ballymun community has been an issue of concern for a number of years and this research project seeks to explore the phenomenon with a view to proposing appropriate responses. The research involved a review of the relevant literature and the collection of data from a variety of perspectives. The project was carried out using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods. Community-based focus groups were held, a pharmacy-based dispensing survey was carried out, and a key informant provided a professional view on medical practice related to the use of benzodiazepines. This three-pronged approach meant that the themes were examined from various different perspectives.

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Use of Naloxone in the Management of Opiate Dependence Syndrome

National Medicines Information Centre, December 2003

A systematic review was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential usefulness of naloxone as a treatment option for opiate dependency. All available data were retrieved by means of a comprehensive search of the published literature. Contact was made with national and international experts to evaluate the practical issues associated with its use in the clinical setting.

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Use of Lofexidine in the Management of Opiate Dependence Syndrome

National Medicines Information Centre, November 2003

A systematic review was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential usefulness of lofexidine as a treatment option in the management of opiate dependency. All available data were retrieved by means of a comprehensive search of the published literature. Contact was made with experts in Ireland to evaluate the practical issues associated with use of lofexidine in a clinical setting.

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Approaches to estimating drug prevalence in Ireland: an overview of methods and data sources

Gemma Cox, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Stationery Office, 2003

Drug users are largely a hidden population due to the illegal nature of their activity, which is why identifying the true numbers is so challenging. Methods have to be employed to estimate the numbers by using reliable data sources or by doing primary research such as surveys. It is not possible to give an accurate, definite, answer to the question of how many drug users are present in a community. Therefore, we must establish an ‘estimate’ that will provide us with an approximate picture of drug use. The usefulness of prevalence estimates is dependent on the appropriateness of the method employed and the reliability of the data sources used.

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The drugs crisis in local communities

Report from a meeting held by Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign September 11th 2003

The street campaigns of the mid 1990s and the citywide campaign that grew out of them were driven by the reality of the drugs situation in local communities. We saw the setting up of the Task Forces, based on the community-led partnership model developed by the Interagency Project in the North Inner City. Despite the fact that many of these projects and programmes have helped to give us glimpses of a better future, the drugs issue is no longer seen as a political priority. Experience shows us that it is only when there is political will to tackle the problem that real progress can be made. Communities cannot and will not do it on their own.

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Evaluation of Killinarden Drug Primary Prevention Group: Summary of final evaluation report

Stephen Rourke, Killinarden Drug Primary Prevention Group, 2003

Since its formation in 1993, the KDPPG has worked with individual families in the area and has networked with a whole range of different groups and organisations. In the period from 1997 to 2003, the KDPPG has also worked with a number of schools in the Killinarden area on self-esteem and drugs education/ awareness programmes. Therefore, a number of positive and significant developments have taken place in relation to the evolution of the KDPPG over the last 10 year period (i.e. between 1993 and 2003). At this stage, the Board and staff of the project felt that it was an opportune time to conduct an independent evaluation of the work and activities of the KDPPG. As well as enabling the project to assess its impact and effectiveness in the period from 1993 to 2003, it was also anticipated that the evaluation would help to inform the ongoing development of the project over the next period of time.

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Methadone: what's the story?

Union for Improved Services, Communication, and Education (UISCE), 2003

Methadone is the drug on which the treatment of heroin addiction is based. At present approximately 5,000 people in Dublin are being treated with this drug. Where did it come from and how did it find its way into treatment? Why is it used instead of other opiates? How successful is methadone? This report hopes to answer some of these questions and to also look at the quality of the treatment that accompanies it.

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An overview of cocaine use in Ireland

National Advisory Committee on Drugs, 2003

This publication provides a thorough overview of the cocaine situation in Ireland. It covers the effects and risks of the drug as well as the legislation covering it. Prevalence figures from various surveys are included, with the NACD and DAIRU survey showing that 3% of the adult population in Ireland reporting using cocaine powder in their lifetime, with a smaller figure of .5% for crack cocaine use. Garda Síochána data on Offences under the misuse of drugs act show a substantial increase in offences relating to cocaine, from 11 cases in 1990 to almost 300 cases in 2001. However cocaine offences make up only 3% of drug offences compared with cannabis (60%) and ecstasy (27%).

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Smoking, alcohol and drug use among young people

E. Flanagan et al, North Eastern Health Board, October 2003

This survey was carried out in 2002 as a follow-up to a study done in 1997. The survey aimed to document the prevalence and patterns of both licit and illict drug use in the post-primary population of the North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) region. It also aimed to present a profile of users and drugs being used and to compare the results to the 1997 survey, which would then provide useful information to assist in targeted health promotion campaigns.

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Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP): A review report

Barry Cullen and Gemma Cox, Trinity College Dublin, Addiction Research Centre, 2003

The Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP), a community-based programme for recovering drug users was initiated in 1997, by a decision of the Tallaght Local Drug Task Force and with the support of area-based health board drug workers. The main aims of this review (and report) are: to examine the impact and effectiveness of the TRP with particular attention to how it meets its own stated aims and objectives; to analyse the perspectives of TRP participants with respect to their engagement and satisfaction with the programme; and to examine TRP’s wider policy and practice contexts with particular attention to assessing its integration with local developments.

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Teenage smoking, alcohol and drug use in the Mid-Western Health Board region 2002

Mid-Western Health Board, 2003

A baseline survey of teenage smoking, drug and alcohol use in the Mid-Western Health Board region was conducted in 1998. This follow-up study was carried out in 2002 to measure the current levels of usage and determine how they compared to the previous findings.

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The Walk Tall programme: An evaluation

Dr. Mark Morgan, St. Patrick's College, 2003

The Walk Tall Programme was developed and launched in primary schools in the mid-nineties. The main body of this report is concerned with an outcome evaluation based largely on the perceptions of the teachers who were involved in the Programme. It is concerned with how the Programme fulfilled the main aims that it was intended to achieve, frequency of implementing the Programme, satisfaction with the methodology of the Walk Tall Programme and the associated lesson plans.

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2002 National Report to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. 

National focal point, Dublin, October 2002

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member State. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others, for the compilation of its Annual report.

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Overview of Research on Drug Misuse among the Homeless of Ireland

Aileen O’Gorman, National Advisory Committee on Drugs, 2002

While, the correlation between drug misuse and homelessness has been noted in a number of research studies there is little specific evidence as to the extent of drug misuse among the homeless population in Ireland. The empirical studies on homelessness, which have been conducted to date, focus on the physical and mental health needs of this population and vary in the extent to which questions on drug misuse are included. In addition, all of the studies relate to homelessness in the Dublin area and our knowledge of homelessness and drug misuse in other areas is very limited. Nonetheless, evidence can be extrapolated from these Dublin studies which indicates high, albeit varied, levels of drug misuse and drug related risk behaviour among this population.

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Use of Buprenorphine as an Intervention in the Treatment of Opiate Dependance Syndrome

National Medicines Information Centre, October 2002

A systematic review was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential usefulness of buprenorphine as an intervention in the treatment of opiate dependency. All available data were retrieved by means of a comprehensive search of the published literature and clinical trials databases. Authors of pivotal studies were contacted for further information, for inclusion in a meta analysis. Contact was made with experts in the UK and France, to evaluate the practical issues associated with buprenorphine in a clinical setting. Pharmacoeconomic data were retrieved from the GMS, ERHA and the manufacturer for the purposes of analysis.

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Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre evaluation report

Barry Cullen and Gemma Cox, Addiction Research Centre Trinity College Dublin, 2002

The primary aims of the report is to fully define the therapeutic processes involved in the Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre and to examine the effectiveness of the programme in achieving its aims and objectives. Young peoples understanding of the programme and their subjective experiences of progressing through residential treatment and aftercare are integral components of the evaluation.

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Cigarette, alcohol and drug use among second-level students in Waterford / Kilkenny and Kerry Garda divisions

Ryan William et al, Garda Research Unit, 2002

This research examines the prevalence and nature of tobacco, alcohol and drug use by second-level school students in Waterford/Kilkenny and Kerry Garda Divisions. The primary intention was to provide management with an overview of the extent of the problem in their respective divisions that could be used in the design and implementation of strategies to address the problem. On a second level, the report serves as a pilot study addressing the feasibility of similar research across the 25 Garda Divisions.

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Drugs, crime & community in Dublin: Monitoring quality of life in the north inner city

North Inner City Drugs Task Force, Dublin, 2002

This study had two primary purposes: to ascertain the quality of life in a specific location in Dublin's North Inner City, with a particular focus on the impact of drug related crime and anti-social behaviour; and to develop and pilot a research instrument to aid in ascertaining quality of life. This study shows that drug-related crime has impacted severely on the quality of life of the local area. The anti-social activities of only a few people can cause large disruption and difficulties for a large number of people. The study concludes that the drug problem has severely and negatively impacted on the quality of life in the North Dublin Inner City.

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Evaluation of the Ana Liffey Children's Project

Paul Downes and Simone Murray, Ana Liffey Drug Project, 2002

The Children’s Project aims to promote and support high quality parenting and enhance the quality of life for children whose parents use drugs. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was employed to evaluate the project. The data was collected between July and September 2002 from a range of individuals who deliver the service, liase with the service and receive the service.

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Final evaluation of the Pilot Drug Court

Michael Farrell, Farrell Grant Sparks Consulting, 2002

This evaluation of the Pilot Drug Court provides an overview of the origins of the Irish Drug Court, and how the court operates. The report also includes a process evaluation, an impact evaluation and examines the cost effectiveness of the court.

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Final evaluation report of the teen parents support initiative

Sinéad Riordan, Centre for Social and Educational Research, Dublin Institute of Technology. Department of Health and Children, 2002

The evaluation was commissioned by the Department of Health and Children and undertaken by the Centre for Social and Educational Research, Dublin Institute of Technology. The content of the report relates from the Initiative’s launch in July 1999 to June 2002. The Initiative sought to provide a range of additional support services for teen parents during pregnancy, until their child/ren reached 2 years of age.

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Jargon free: Young people's attitudes and views of substance misuse in North Wexford. Research undertaken by Gorey Community Based Drugs Initiative

Gill Casey, County Wexford Community Based Drugs Initiative, 2002

The overall aim of this research was to gather information from young people in relation to four specific areas: to determine the prevalence of drug use by young people in North Wexford; toidentify the trends of drug use in North Wexford among young people; to examine attitudes towards substance misuse among young people in North Wexford; and to determine the views of young people on information and supports available in North Wexford.

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Opiate users and the child support function: an evaluation of a CARP - Killinarden Project

Coinneach Shanks, CARP – Killinarden, 2002

The study begins by examining previous evaluation work carried out by the Killinarden Project. It continues by addressing the key questions of welfare service as developed by Deakin at al. The outcomes of the research aim to resolve the information-sharing question; tackle the adequacy of the child care function, making suggestions for both improvement and expansion. It will also provide recommendations for the development of the CARP project as a whole, with an emphasis on the centrality of the child care function.

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Report to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs on the use of buprenorphine as an intervention in the treatment of Opiate Dependence Syndrome

National Medicines Information Centre, 2002

A systematic review was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential usefulness of buprenorphine as an intervention in the treatment of opiate dependency. All available data were retrieved by means of a comprehensive search of the published literature and clinical trials databases. Authors of pivotal studies were contacted for further information, for inclusion in a meta analysis. Contact was made with experts in the UK and France, to evaluate the practical issues associated with buprenorphine in a clinical setting. Pharmacoeconomic data were retrieved from the GMS, ERHA and the manufacturer for the purposes of analysis.

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Ireland National Report 2001 to the EMCDDA

HRB, National focal point, Dublin, December 2001

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member State. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others, for the compilation of its Annual report.

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Drug Use Prevention: An Overview of Research

Mark Morgan, St Patrick’s College, November 2001

This report summarises the main findings of research in Ireland and abroad relating to drug use prevention. The main risk factors for drug use are identified and several approaches and strategies for preventing use and misuse are examined. Based on the evidence presented here, a number of conclusions and recommendations are put forward.

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Drug use among prisoners: An exploratory study

Lucy Dillon, Health Research Board, 2001

This is an exploratory study of drug use among prisoners and the issues facing prisoners. In-depth interviews were carried out with twenty-nine prisoners in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. Other than in the designated drug-free wing of the Training Unit, respondents perceived Mountjoy Prison to be characterised by a drugs culture, manifest in the attitudes and behaviour of prisoners. Irrespective of the drug-using history of prisoners, or their current drug-using status, there was an overall consensus that drug use was an issue they faced on a daily basis.

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Drugs, alcohol and youth in Rathmines. A Report for the Rathmines Drug Awareness Group

Rathmines Drug Awareness Group, 2001

Rathmines has the largest youth population in Dublin 6. The Rathmines Drug Awareness Group (RDAG) was set up to develop a network to provide information on substance abuse. In 2000, the RDAG commissioned research that would quantify the level of illegal drug use in Rathmines. The approach used in this research combined qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires, interviews and fieldwork provided both formal and informal methods of eliciting the values, attitudes and perceptions of the young people involved in the study.

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The impact of alcohol advertising on teenagers in Ireland

Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children, 2001

The Department of Health and Children commissioned the Centre for Health Promotion Studies, NUI, Galway, in partnership with the National Alcohol Surveillance Project, to examine the impact of alcohol advertising on teenagers in Ireland. The purpose is to inform the national alcohol policy process. This is the first such national study to be carried out on the impact of alcohol advertising on teenagers.

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Ireland National Report 2000 to the EMCDDA

HRB, National focal point, Dublin, October 2000

Commissioned each year by the EMCDDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member State. These data are key information to the EMCDDA and are an important resource, among others, for the compilation of its Annual report.

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Choosers or losers? Influences on young people's choices about drugs in inner-city Dublin

Paula Mayock, The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College, 2000

This research was undertaken against a background of increased drug use nationwide and heightened concern for young people growing up in areas where drug use is concentrated. The primary aim of this report is to examine the use and non-use of drugs by young people, aged 15-19 years, in a Dublin inner-city community considered to be ‘high risk’ for problem drug use. Young people’s subjective experience of drug use and related activities, including a detailed exploration of the social context of drug use, are integral components of this investigation. The role of choice and decision-making in drug use are key issues addressed in this report on drug use by young people.

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Drug education: a social and evaluative study

Cork Drugs Task Force, 2000

The focus of this research was on the area of preventative drug education. The research aimed: (a) to provide a detailed analysis of the evaluative literature compiled on Irish and international drug education programmes; (b) to examine the existing status and recent developments in the area of drug education in the Irish context; and (c) to evaluate three local drug education programmes.

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Drug-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in Ireland: Report of a nation wide survey

Health Research Board, 2000

This report presents the findings of a nation-wide survey of public attitudes towards, and perceptions of, aspects of the drug issue in Ireland. The questionnaire on which the research was based constituted a module of the 1998 Irish Social Omnibus Survey. A total of 1,000 individuals, randomly selected from the 1997 Register of Electors for Ireland (26 counties), took part in the study. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews between February and April 1998.

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Drugs & community: An exploration of the nature & extent of drug use in the greater Blanchardstown area

Blanchardstown Drugs Task Force, 2000

The Blanchardstown Drugs Task Force through the Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs (hereafter known as the BDTF and the GBRD) funds the research.The research commenced in August 1998 and conducted interviews over an eleven month period. The research took as its remit the six designated Task Force Areas (TFA) of Corduff, Mulhuddart, Huntstown, Hartstown, Blakestown and Mountview. Initially the research was designed to offer an overview of both the extent and nature of drug use in the area, however as the research progressed and an epidemiological profile emerged, the research adopted a holistic approach to understanding the drug problem in these areas.

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Dun Laoghaire Rathdown rehabilitation survey: a survey of client perspectives in rehabilitation

Laoghaire Rathdown Local Drug Task Force, 2000

The Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Drugs Task Force wished to conduct a survey of existing service users to determine their level of satisfaction with the existing service. A secondary aim of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Drugs Task Force was to identify appropriate interventions - from a users perspective- that could be included in submissions to the Local Drugs Task Force Service Plan for 2000.

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Evaluation of local drugs task force projects: experiences and perceptions of planning and implementation

Ruddle, H., Prizeman, G., Jaffro, G.. National College of Ireland & Policy Research Centre, 2000

The Policy Research Centre (PRC) was commissioned by the Evaluation Sub-Committee of the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) as Evaluation Co-ordinator to oversee the evaluation of the projects implemented by the Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTF). The overall aim of the evaluation was to explore the experiences and perceptions of projects with regard to planning and implementation stages of project development which primarily cover structures and process issues.

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From residential drug treatment to employment: final report

Merchants Quay Project, 2000

The Merchant’s Quay Project as a drug service provider, identified the need for a programme to help facilitate former drug users who have completed residential drug treatment, into the labour market. In November 1997, the Merchant’s Quay Project submitted its action plan for the Integra Programme ‘From Residential Drug Treatment to Employment’ to the Irish Integra Support Structure, WRC Social and Economic Consultants. The findings of the Interim Report highlighted that the Programme was successful in providing clients with the necessary support, training and job-placement opportunities to ease their insertion into the labour market. The Final Report while presenting an examination of the Integra Programme ‘From Residential Drug Treatment to Employment’ over a two year period, concentrates mainly on the last operational year of the Programme.

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Kilkenny Drugs Initiative: substance misuse research findings and action plan

Kilkenny Drugs Initiative, 2000

The Kilkenny Drugs Initiative, although part of a national response, is a local and autonomous response to the drug and alcohol issue as it has been identified by the local groups, individuals, and agencies consulted as part of this research. The aims of this research were to assess the nature of substance misuse in Kilkenny. The qualitative study involved focus group research and one-to-one discussions with community, voluntary, and statutory groups as well as individuals from these sectors.

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Making contact: an evaluation of a syringe exchange

Merchants Quay Project, 2000

This Report presents the findings of the evaluative research undertaken from May 1st 1997 to October 31st 1998, of the Merchant Quay Project and Health Promotion Unit’s model for working with people who engage in both injecting and sexual risk behaviour. A total of 1,337 new clients attended the Health Promotion Unit during the 18 months under investigation. All consented to complete the First Visit Intervention Sheet, and the data collected provides valuable information on the effectiveness of the Heath Promotion Unit in making contact with various sub-groups of injecting drug users.

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Mapping a route from exclusion to integration

Merchants Quay Project, 2000

This report presents a model of good practice for reintegration of former drug users based on two years of learning from the Merchant's Quay Project programme ‘From Residential Drug Treatment to Employment’ which was funded by the Integra Employment Initiative from January 1998 to March 2000. This programme responded to a gap in drugs services provision highlighting the difficulties former drug users experience accessing employment, education and training opportunities once they have achieved a drug free status. It is intented that this report acts as a useful resource for treatment providers seeking to establish services oriented towards settlement and reintegration.

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Substance abuse in South Kerry: a project to investigate its extent and propose strategies for its prevention

South Kerry Development Partnership, 2000

The aims and objectives of the investigation were to depict the reality in quantitative terms of substance abuse in South Kerry, and to list existing agencies and programmes operating in the area, thereby making proposals towards co-ordination and linkages.

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When parents use drugs: key findings from a study of children in the care of drug-using parents

Hogan, D., Higgins, L., Children's Research Centre, 2000

This study explores the impact of parental opiate use on children’s day-to-day life within families. It focuses on primary school aged children in the care of at least one opiate using parent. The sample was made up of 100 families. The target group was 50 families in which at least one parent was dependent on opiates (such as heroin and methadone), and their experiences were compared to those of a matched comparison group of 50 families. Comparison families were from the same areas of Dublin and had similar socio-economic backgrounds to those of drug users, but neither parent was a drug user.

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