COCAINE NOW CHEAPER THAN ALCOHOL, SAY HURT

A drug support worker last night claimed that cocaine is easier and
cheaper to get in Derry than alcohol. Sadie O'Reilly, who set up the
group HURT after her son Tony died from a heroin overdose, said she
had been told the drug was becoming more accessible and cheaper on
some of the city's streets.

And in a startling revelation she said there isn't a "pub, club or
indeed workplace not affected by cocaine."

Mrs O'Reilly said she had serious concerns about the use of cocaine.

"The risks using this drug are serious," she warned. "There are all
sorts of 'ingredients' to be found in the cocaine available to those
willing to use it; baking powder, sports drinks powders, talcum
powder and confectionery fizz. These are just but a few of the
unknowns. Often cocaine is taken with alcohol and or other drug 'cocktails'."

Political change

She said the appeal of cocaine portrayed in the media and films has
fed into the psyche of young people - who believe that this is
normal, acceptable and alright to do.

And she alleged that an indirect aspect of political change in
Northern Ireland is that "for the first time we as a community are
having to deal with drugs and other issues."

"From a supply point of view, the island of Ireland is indeed very
accessible by sea. With little by way of policing resources around
Ireland's coastline, huge quantities of drugs can make their way to
even remote parts of rural Ireland," she said.

"Human trafficking still remains a problem. So long as people have a
curiosity to take risks and are willing to use cocaine and other
drugs, the supply chain will be controlled via a global, regional and
national distribution network designed to met that demand."

She warned that cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant.

"Its effects can last from 20 minutesto several hours, depending upon
the dosage of cocaine taken, purity, and method of administration," she said.

Euphoria turns to depression

"The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness,
increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and euphoria. The
euphoria is sometimes followed by feelings of discomfort and
depression and a craving to experience the drug again. Sexual
interest and pleasure can be amplified. Side effects can include
twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which usually increases with
frequent usage.

Life threatening

"With excessive dosage the drug can produce itching, tacchycardia
hallucinations, and paranoid delusions. Overdoses cause
tachyarrhythmias and a marked elevation of blood pressure. These can
be life-threatening, especially if the user has existing cardiac problems."

You can contact HURT on 71369696 or at 14 Clarendon Street.