An Exploration of the Nature and Extent of Drug Use in the Greater Blanchardstown Area (Jennifer D'Arcy, 2000)
~ Report Summary (Edited Version) ~
This report, prepared by Jennifer D'Arcy in 2000 on behalf of the GBRD and funded by the Blanchardstown Local Drug Task Force, was the first piece of research into the prevalence of drug use in the Greater Blanchardstown area.
Using highly structured interviews with drug users from the Blanchardstown area who were receiving treatment, the report set out to look at some areas of concern including:
The relationship between socio-demographic factors and substance abuse.
The risks involved in administering heroin, ie intravenous drug use
The role of harm minimisation in the lives of the user.
Effectiveness of different treatment models.
Level of treatment and choice available to drug users in the area.
Drug use and criminal activity.
Having undertaken 128 interviews over an 11-month period, different facets of the drugs issue came through in the Report's findings, including the subject of education and prevention, the importance of Community and Family Support Groups, the role of peer education and access to treatment services.
The 'Drugs & Community' Report contains 21 conclusions and recommendations, some of which are listed below.
It is estimated that for every drug user that has sought treatment, there are many more, possibly two or three times as many, who have not yet sought treatment. In taking an estimated ratio of 3:1, the Blanchardstown area has approximately 507 individuals with a dependent drug problem.
The research has pointed to the difficulties encountered in estimating the prevalence of drug use within an area. In order to facilitate communities in recording their drug problem, all agencies should take part in the drug reporting system.
There is a need for continuing research into the drug problem in the Blanchardstown area. Chaotic drug users who are not accessing treatment may have very different needs and circumstances and therefore must be researched as a separate entity.
This research has suggested an education profile of drug misusers, which is not altogether pessimistic. Almost half of the group interviewed remained within the educational system beyond the legal school leaving age of 15. This presents a promising opportunity for those working in the area of drugs education and prevention.
Preventative education programme must be specifically geared towards young people on the basis of age and experience. Many young children in schools may have first hand experience of the drugs issue.
The drug problem has a broad impact upon society in general and on communities and families who are close to the problem. Given the numbers of people affected by drugs, the Family Support and Siblings Support Groups operating in the Blanchardstown area need to be supported and expanded.
The research particularly highlighted the needs and rights of children affected by drug use. Adequate support structures must be put in place in order to ensure their well being. An initiative such as parenting programmes, creche facilities and sessional care would not only benefit the child but may also act as a support to parents who are accessing treatment.
Drug misuse is a community problem, therefore it is important that any response to the problems should be designed in consultation with the communities affected. The Community Drug Teams have an integral role within this process.
Peer relations was seen as important in the lives of the drug user and acted as an important factor in an individual's pathway into drugs. Peer education can be seen as an important element in an individual's decision to use drugs.
The research recognises the importance of a multi-agency response to the drug problem. A co-ordinated multi-agency approach comprising the community, voluntary and statutory bodies could prove very effective in the area.
Respondents frequently referred to the difficulties that they have in accessing treatment. Many respondents reported having to travel into town to collect their methadone because of the limited number of pharmacies in the area dispensing methadone.
21.1% of those interviewed are currently facing charges and many drug misusers may find themselves in prison at certain times in their drug career. It is imperative that support structures are in place for offenders returning to the community.
There are currently a number of initiatives running in the Blanchardstown area primarily funded through the Blanchardstown Drugs Task Force. These initiatives are playing a central role in tackling the drug problem in the area and must be supported.
The research has also pointed to the overall significance of a variety of drug treatment approaches in tackling the drug problem. It is imperative that individual misusing drugs are given the choice of practising safe drug use. In order to make this a reality, the provision of needle exchanges should become a priority for the Blanchardstown area. Drug misuse is present within the Blanchardstown community, suggesting the need to pursue a policy of recognition and action.
If you are interested in reading the full copy of this report, please telephone the GBRD on 01 8262364 or e-mail us at info@gbrd.ie
