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Tuesday 3 October 2023 Dublin: 16°C

# Drug use

Last week
24th September 2023 - 30th September 2023
Chief Medical Officer says level of cannabis use in Ireland is ‘of great concern’
The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use is meeting to consider a broad range of perspectives on prevention.
Opinion: The Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use needs more diversity of speakers and thought
Lynn Ruane, Ian Marder and Cian O’Concubhair say independent, critical, expert voices on policing and criminal justice are desperately needed.
Last month
September 2023
Pilot scheme will see people at risk of opioid overdose given relief medication they can take at home
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioids, allowing a person to get medical help.
This year
2023
Tales from New York: 'We should learn from the drug treatment approach here'
Tony Duffin says Europe should take inspiration from New York City’s recent response to street-based drug use and increasing drug related deaths.
Support service calls for better availability of overdose-reversing drug
The charity described figures that were presented at the Citizens Assembly on Drugs Use last weekend as “grim”.
Citizens’ assembly chair says urgent step change in approach to drug use is needed
The panel is halfway through its programme of work after a weekend of meetings in Malahide.
'Staff have been attacked, spat at': Dublin city businesses on impact of anti-social behaviour
A report by
Hayley Halpin
While drug use and related issues have long been a problem, one person said it has become “out of control at this stage”.
The Journal visited areas of the city centre this week to chat to business owners.
Tony Gallagher, a security consultant, said the level of shoplifting in the city centre has reached a "crisis level".
97 drug samples surrendered for testing at Life Festival
The testing initiative aims to reduce drug-related harm at festivals.
Drug use 'everywhere' but marginalised communities face more difficulties, Citizens' Assembly hears
Assembly members are due to visit drug treatment centres tomorrow.
Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use now open for submissions from the public
The assembly itself is made up of 99 ordinary members of the public and one chairperson, namely former HSE CEO Paul Reid.
Therapist: Right or wrong, recreational drug use is part of the festival experience
Psychotherapist Michael Ledden, chairperson of festival welfare non-profit, PsyCare Ireland addresses drug use at festivals in Ireland.
Citizens' Assembly on Drugs holds first meeting in Dublin
The meeting is being held in the Grand Hotel in Malahide.
Researchers find evidence of drug use during Bronze Age ceremonies
Chemicals found in three hair samples in Spain are the first direct evidence of ancient drug use in Europe.
Opinion: The Greek model of responding to drug use is worth keeping an eye on
Tony Duffin of Ana Liffey project and his long-time friends, Dr Brian Melaugh and Dr Austin O’Carroll visited Athens to see how drug use is handled there.
Simon Harris: 'Direct link between snorting a line and murder, assault, criminality and misery'
The Justice Minister told the Dáil that casual drug use was far from victimless.
Opinion: We as legislators must be brave and make difficult decisions regarding drug laws
Fianna Fáil’s Paul McAuliffe says we cannot consider drug laws without understanding the trauma behind drug use.
Opinion: Enough talk - we need to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use
Criminologist Dr Ian Marder proposes a paradigm shift away from criminalising drug use and towards a health-led approach.
Last year
2022
Syringe analysis shows increase in methamphetamine use and cocaine-heroin mixture
Heroin was present in nearly all samples, with cocaine in close to 90%.
Criminalising drug use is 'disastrous' waste of time and money, expert to tell Justice Committee
Dr Garrett McGovern believes Ireland should take a health-led approach to drugs and decriminalise personal use.
Report finds one in three young drinkers in Ireland have an alcohol use disorder
The number of young people abstaining from alcohol has increased from 11% in 2002 to 26% in 2019.
Kinahan cartel linked to at least 20 murders in four EU countries
The EU’s police and drugs agencies say the Kinahan crime group is among Europe’s largest wholesalers of cocaine.
Psychological Society criticises delay in 'vital' citizens' assembly on drugs amid death warning
Senators are due to debate the issue today amid much criticism over this week’s developments.
'If cattle were dying, not humans, there would be action': Citizens' assembly on drugs delayed
The delay until 2023 will cost lives, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said.
Lynn Ruane: Global drug laws can be traced back to a small group of conserative American men
The independent senator looks back at the influence of powerful US politicians with racist agendas on global drug policies.
Cocaine now the second-most common drug used by third-level students, new report shows
Cannabis remains the most common drug, but cocaine displaced ecstasy to take the second place spot.
Opinion: Supervised drug injecting in Ireland – 10 years of advocacy, legislation and delays
2022 should be the year we open Ireland’s first Supervised Injecting Facility, write Tony Duffin of Ana Liffey Drug Project and Eugene McCann of Simon Fraser University
Growing expectation of Irish citizens’ assembly on drug use this year
The three coalition parties, before entering Government last year, committed to holding a citizens’ assembly on drug use.
All time
Complaints from people staying in Dublin homeless hostels jump from 34 in 2020 to 122 in 2021
The complaints related to drug use in the facilities, alleged bullying and blood stains on bed sheets.
The complaints related to drug use, alleged bullying and conditions in the facilities, Órla Ryan reports
A number of people reported being harassed or attacked by other residents
One person said the bed covers in their hostel were "covered in blood"
Opinion: Steps were taken to reduce homelessness during Covid - we shouldn't lose momentum
People born between 1965 and 1985 should be tested for Hepatitis C, Hiqa recommends
In Ireland, the prevalence of HCV infection is highest amongst those born during this period.
Numbers seeking treatment for crack cocaine use surges nearly 400% since 2014
The number of women entering treatment for crack cocaine use has increased by almost 80% in two years.
Opinion: Most young people involved in street-level dealing are among our most vulnerable citizens
Youth worker Eoin Lynagh is part of a group calling for an end to prohibition.
More people are using cocaine and ecstasy, but slightly fewer are using cannabis
Men are more than twice as likely as women to use drugs, according to a new survey.
Complaints of alleged Garda drug use made to new Anti-Corruption Unit
Testing of Garda personnel for controlled drug use is set to commence in the coming months.
How Covid-19 changed drug crime in Ireland
Drug traffickers used rental cars and exploited children as mules during the last year.
Report finds people use psychedelic drugs to self-medicate for depression, anxiety and trauma
While there is some positive research about their use as treatments, experts say this should always be done under the supervision of a professional.
HSE launches online resources and supports to mark International Overdose Awareness Day
Over 370 people lose their lives in Ireland from drug overdose every year.
7,500 cases of problem alcohol use were treated in Ireland last year, with an increase in cases involving cocaine
There is already concern around the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on alcohol misuse.
Two Irish jockeys test positive for cocaine
David Simmonson and Cian Cullinan have received bans from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
Number of cocaine treatment cases doubles in one year with economic recovery deemed as key factor
Cocaine is third on the list of most common drugs on the treatment list, but moving closer to cannabis.
Ministers considering alternative approaches to dealing with drug possession for personal use
A working group was set up last year to consider issues such as the possession of drugs for personal use, and to review other jurisdictions’ drug laws.