DRUG USE IN RURAL AREAS DOUBLES WITHIN 4 YEARS

Illegal drug use in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon almost
doubled between 2003 and 2007, data published yesterday shows.

Cannabis use in the same region increased from 12 per cent in 2002/3
to 21 per cent in 2006/7, a survey commissioned by the National
Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) said.

NACD said almost 5,000 people aged 15-64 were surveyed in the
National Drug Prevalence Survey in the Republic between October 2006
and May last year.

"This survey confirms that illegal drug use is a nationwide problem
and highlights the need for a sustained commitment to tackle the
problem in the years ahead," minister of state for drugs John Curran said.

The government aims to use the data from the eight regions in
preparing a new state-wide drugs strategy for 2009-2016.

The results showed that 'lifetime use' - use of any illegal drug at
least once - in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon rose from 13 per
cent in 2002/3 to 23 per cent in 2006/7.

In east-coast counties illegal drug use also doubled, from 6 per cent
in 2002/3 to 12 per cent in 2006/7. Cannabis use rose to 11 per cent.

However, the survey showed that use of illegal drugs, alcohol and
cigarettes dropped in the southern region, comprising counties Cork and Kerry.

Alcohol use decreased particularly among women in the southern area.

Mr Curran said the decreases in this region were "promising".

Lifetime use of illegal drugs varied across regional areas ranging
from 38 per cent in the east coast to as low as 14 per cent in the north west.

Other findings included:

. cannabis is the most commonly used drug in all regions of the
Republic, followed by magic mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine

. more men than women and more young adults than older adults use illegal drugs

. lifetime use of cocaine increased significantly in five regions

. lifetime use of magic mushrooms increased significantly in three areas

NACD chairman Des Corrigan said highly populated areas generally had
higher prevalence rates of illegal drug use while less populated
areas have higher rates for sedatives, tranquillisers as well as for
anti-depressants.