Services alert: Heroin drought in Dublin and across Ireland

Reports are reaching us from drug services relating to a heroin drought in Dublin, and across Ireland.

From one source:

A heroin drought being experienced in Dublin and across Ireland, please find below some bullet point feedback from clients and staff:

   1. Use of Headshop substances has increased - these are sold on the street with no brand names.
   2. Use of Crack has increased -  client reports and through staff observation of behaviours and physical health.
   3. Reports of increased use of Ecstasy and Benzo use.
   4. People showing symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

Over the last number of days behaviours relating to the heroin drought have been difficult to manage i.e. increased anxiety, paranoia, aggression, violence and polydrug use overdose.  The Ana Liffey team continues to support people through this difficult time.

Significantly, we are concerned about the possible increased risk of overdose to injecting heroin users in  Dublin and across Ireland.

The current heroin drought which has been reported across Europe [1] has been keenly felt within our service, which sees up to 120 individuals daily.

We shall keep you updated on any further developments and information here on the news section of drugs.ie

[1]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/nov/21/heroin-shortage-uk-overdose-users