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17/10/2001
Report recommends overhaul of drug abuse services
A new study into the lifestyle and experiences of heroin users in Northern Ireland has recommended a drastic overhaul of existing services available for victims of serious drug abuse.
The Queen’s University study, which has been part funded by the NI Drugs Campaign in association with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Department of Health, is based on interviews conducted by Dr Karen McElrath with 43 current or former users of heroin in 1997-1999.
The report, which was published on Wednesday October 17, highlights accessibility and utilisation of needle and syringe provision; the expansion and improvement of treatment and support services, and the development and implementation of effective outreach initiatives as areas that needed attention.
However, Jo Daykin, co-ordinator of NI Drugs Strategy has maintained these recommendations have “already been implemented”. She said: “We have an extensive needle and syringes scheme which has been in operation across the province since April of this year. Not only are dirty needles exchanged for clean needles but drug users can gain access to important information about their health and vaccinations.
“£5.5 million of money designed to target this problem is already in circulation and we have spent money is expanding counselling services, supporting reintegration schemes and establishing a 10 bed in patient unit in Ballymena.”
The report shows that some respondents were unwilling to approach GPs or were unwilling to undergo testing for HIV and other infectious disease for fear that their drug user identity would be disclosed. Others believed that GPs lacked basic knowledge about heroin use, addiction, and Hepatitis C. In response to this Ms Daykin said: “I want to reassure drug users that GPs are not in the business of releasing their identity but it is a case that GPs are obliged to inform the Department of Health. We need to identify the need in Northern Ireland and we need help in identifying their needs.” (AMcE)
The Queen’s University study, which has been part funded by the NI Drugs Campaign in association with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Department of Health, is based on interviews conducted by Dr Karen McElrath with 43 current or former users of heroin in 1997-1999.
The report, which was published on Wednesday October 17, highlights accessibility and utilisation of needle and syringe provision; the expansion and improvement of treatment and support services, and the development and implementation of effective outreach initiatives as areas that needed attention.
However, Jo Daykin, co-ordinator of NI Drugs Strategy has maintained these recommendations have “already been implemented”. She said: “We have an extensive needle and syringes scheme which has been in operation across the province since April of this year. Not only are dirty needles exchanged for clean needles but drug users can gain access to important information about their health and vaccinations.
“£5.5 million of money designed to target this problem is already in circulation and we have spent money is expanding counselling services, supporting reintegration schemes and establishing a 10 bed in patient unit in Ballymena.”
The report shows that some respondents were unwilling to approach GPs or were unwilling to undergo testing for HIV and other infectious disease for fear that their drug user identity would be disclosed. Others believed that GPs lacked basic knowledge about heroin use, addiction, and Hepatitis C. In response to this Ms Daykin said: “I want to reassure drug users that GPs are not in the business of releasing their identity but it is a case that GPs are obliged to inform the Department of Health. We need to identify the need in Northern Ireland and we need help in identifying their needs.” (AMcE)
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27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
01 March 2017
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
01 December 2005
Local academic researches HIV fight
Promoting safer sex and safe injecting techniques among drug users is the key to fighting HIV/AIDS, new research has claimed.
Local academic researches HIV fight
Promoting safer sex and safe injecting techniques among drug users is the key to fighting HIV/AIDS, new research has claimed.
15 September 2004
Report uncovers increased use of needle exchange scheme
Users of the Needle Exchange Scheme in Northern Ireland have increased by almost a quarter during the past year, according to a report. In the 12-month period ending 31 March 2004, there were 7,508 visits to participating pharmacies by users of the scheme, compared to 6,043 visits in the previous year – a 24% increase.
Report uncovers increased use of needle exchange scheme
Users of the Needle Exchange Scheme in Northern Ireland have increased by almost a quarter during the past year, according to a report. In the 12-month period ending 31 March 2004, there were 7,508 visits to participating pharmacies by users of the scheme, compared to 6,043 visits in the previous year – a 24% increase.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
