MISUSE OF DRUGS IN YOUNG PEOPLE HIGHER THAN EVER

SWEEPING changes to be considered by the Government in its review of
the National Drugs Strategy were submitted yesterday.

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has warned the Government
it must not confine the National Drugs Strategy to major cities only,
as the problem effects every county.

NYCI president James Doorley says the misuse of drugs by young people
is continuing to grow.

"More young people come into contact with and misuse drugs than ever
before. More and more drugs are available to young people, drugs are
easier to obtain and there is a continuing and ample supply," he warned.

In its submission to the review, the NYCI say the current strategy is
confined to a limited number of areas in the country and is not
effective on a national basis.

In a range of proposed changes the NYCI recommended funding for anti
drugs initiatives be dramatically increased, the introduction of a
National Co ordinating and Support Unit to assist the tackling of
drugs problems and a series of education and drug prevention measures
to be placed in schools.

The NYCI say scare tactics previously used to deter drug taking should
be abandoned as they are often ineffective or counter productive. It
also called for major investment into treatment and rehabilitation
services for young drug users.

"The Government's current strategy is too narrowly focused and ill
equipped to address the growing drugs problems facing communities
outside the major cities. We need to learn from past experience and
must not allow the present situation to get worse. A major investment
of money is also needed," said Mr Doorley.

The country's drug problems are experienced in both rural and urban
areas, an NYCI spokesperson said: "Every county is affected. The
current 'National' strategy is largely focused on thirteen areas in
Dublin and Cork city with other major urban areas receiving lesser
amounts.

"While there has been a major impact in these areas, the rest of
Ireland has been neglected. There needs to be a truly nationwide
programme if we are serious about an effective, prevention strategy on
drugs."