Calls For New Strategy To Tackle Cocaine Epidemic In Clare

Clare FM

It's claimed a new health led government strategy is needed for to tackle Clare's cocaine epidemic. It comes amid new figures from the Health Research Board which show there was a record number of drug addiction cases in this county last year. The report identified the 25-34 age group as those most affected by addiction in Clare, accounting for 50% of all cases in the county last year. Clare also saw a surge in the number of under 18s treated for drug and alcohol addiction, rising from 11 cases to 17 in the space of twelve months. A MidWest treatment centre says there are some positives to take here, including that more people are now aware of treatment services and that younger presentations are allowing for early intervention. Novas Senior Health & Recovery Manager Julie McKenna believes it's inexcusable that the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use haven't been implemented by government and says addiction needs to be treated as a medical issue and not a criminal one. A MidWest Addiction Counsellor insists a health-led national cocaine treatment strategy is needed and should be a priority in the next programme for Government. The drug remains the greatest problem substance in Clare, with a 26% increase in people treated for addiction last year. While, 15 of the cocaine addiction treatment cases in Clare last year involved people who had only completed their junior cert. Michael Guerin says the people dealing with the problem on the ground everyday are best placed to deliver solutions and that prevention education is needed early.