DRUGS SITUATION GETTING WORSE THROUGHOUT COUNTY WEXFORD

THE DRUGS situation in County Wexford is getting worse, both in terms of the numbers of people being affected and the choice of substances being offered.

Kieran Donohoe, from the FDYS, said it was also worrying that substance abuse was becoming increasingly ‘acceptable,’ with cannabis viewed in some quarters as a ‘recreational drug’.

Mr Donohoe said while in the past those in their late-20s had been involved, there were increasing numbers of under-25s using illegal drugs.

‘A lot of drugs are now accessible over the Internet and unfortunately we are seeing more heroin on the streets in Wexford town,’ he said.

Mr Donohoe said that while in the past, there would have beeen an average of one death a year from substance abuse, so far this year, and in the period of a fortnight, two of his workers’ clients had died.

‘It has certainly doubled in terms of demand on the service for access to treatment. We do the initial assessment on those present, but the waiting list to access treatment in the HSE is out of control, he said.

Mr Donohoe said it was important, however, to stress that there are services available with a substance abuse worker in each town.

The contact number for Niamh Clancy, Senior Project Work, FDYS Substance Misuse is 087 9351765.