IT’S A BOOM TIME PASTIME

THe booming economy has led to a massive spike in cocaine use, according to addiction counsellors. With the economy on the rise, ‘money is being splashed on the middle-class “party drug”,’ said Alan Galvin, project manager at the Saoirse addiction centre in Limerick. ‘It’s not a drug you see in recessionary times.’ The centre treats cocaine addicts of all backgrounds, including many with typically middle-class professions. Mr Galvin believes if you track the history of booms and busts of the Irish economy over the years, cocaine use would generally follow a similar pattern.

‘When people have money and things are good, it’s the party lifestyle – but when things are in recession, it doesn’t seem to be as popular.’

While it is an expensive drug – €100 for a gramme – the improving economy is providing access for new users.

The number of people attending Limerick’s Saoirse for cocaine addiction has greatly increased this year, Mr Galvin said, with figures being compiled currently.