Education needed in drugs fight

COCAINE addiction and widespread use in towns and villages here is contributing to a major downward spiral in mental and physical health.

It is very alarming that figures show it is now more available and at its highest purity in Europe today than it has been in a decade.

And from an Irish perspective it is shocking that as a nation we currently rank the fourth highest in the EU for use of cocaine among young adults.

The use of the deadly drug has soared above Celtic Tiger levels and far more education about the risks of ingesting the toxic substance is needed.

Around 30% of people aged between 15 and 64 here admit they have used cannabis, MDMA or cocaine, in their lifetime – and the use of these drugs with alcohol can be devastating.

The threat posed by drug use is another scourge on our society and the case of Co Meath man Eoin Morris pleading for better mental health services for young people is a terrible indictment.

The 23-year-old has warned many young adults are turning to drink and drugs to escape depression – and it is horrendous that they feel they don’t have adequate support available.

We need to have support system and services in towns and in rural areas across the country to address the horrific damage drugs are having on our society.