A multi-agency approach is needed in Clare to tackle the scourge of heroin abuse. The proposal comes against the background of complaints that the illicit substance is readily available in Ennis and surrounding areas.
Clare gardaí have confirmed there is an increase in the use and availability of heroin on the streets in the county, in line with national and regional trends.
In the midst of an economic recession, Inspector John Galvin said heroin becomes more widely used and becomes a drug of choice, replacing cannabis and cocaine, which were generally more widely used during the Celtic Tiger years.
“Heroin is an extremely addictive, dangerous drug, which can lead to drug-induced psychosis and result in deprivation and misery for the user and family members,” he said.
Councillor Brian Meaney said Clare gardaí, the Government and voluntary agencies must remain vigilant to ensure heroin abuse doesn’t establish a major foothold that will devastate local urban and rural communities throughout the county.
“Heroin is readily available in Ennis and surrounding areas. I know a number of heroin addicts in the Ennis area and it is a dangerous substance, which people can develop a very high dependency to quickly.
“Every drug tends to be a gateway drug as people move from alcohol and cocaine on to more potent drugs like heroin. Dealing with the sale and supply of drugs is an ongoing battle and has huge implications in terms of providing resources to deal with addicts who engage in criminal activities to fund their habit.
“Heroin was an urban problem in Dublin in the’80s and ’90s. Entire communities were destroyed when it gained a foothold. It hasn’t gone away. There has to be vigilance by State and voluntary agencies to ensure the drugs problem is kept to a minimum.”
The Green Party councillor, who is a member of the Mid-West Drugs Task Force, issued the warning after official Health Service Executive figures confirmed there are an estimated 800 heroin addicts in Limerick City and the wider region, compared to 100 in 2002.
An improvement in HSE methadone services has seen the numbers entering this treatment programme rise from 194 in 2008 to 276 last year. According to HSE statistics, about 30% live in Clare and North Tipperary, with the remainder in Limerick City and county. It is estimated that for every heroin addict on methadone treatment, there could be up to four others taking the drug.
The task force chairman, Michael Lacey, confirmed there are plans for outreach clinics in Clare as part of the new substance misuse community team dealing with drug users under 18.
Source: Dan Danaher, clarechampion.ie, 04/10/12
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