HEROIN'S VICTIMS

Among 16 recent deaths of heroin users in the Dublin region, seven
definitely ``fit the pattern'' of the spate of deaths in Glasgow. And
seven survivors fit the same pattern.

The cause is unknown. Researchers in Glasgow are working on the theory
that it is bacterial, but have been unable to isolate the organism.
This could take months or even years, as happened in the cases of
Legionnaire's Disease and HIV.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Health Authority is examining all
cases of unidentified severe illness among heroin users in the region
during the last month. Its ``case definition'' is an injecting drug
user with severe inflammation which could of course have a bacterial
origin.

The ERHA has sought help from the most expert of sources. Last
Saturday Dr Kristy Murray, from the Centre for Disease Control and
Prevention in Atlanta, arrived in Dublin. Another expert from the
centre has gone to Glasgow. All these activities show that complaints
of complacency are inaccurate.

Some anti-drugs campaigners have alleged that a crisis attracts less
attention when it affects the marginalised rather than the affluent.
Their emotions are understandable, but misdirected.

The sad reality has little to do with class issues. It is that the
authorities have never devised a coherent or workable anti-drugs
policy. Despite the successes of the Garda Siochana in their war
against the crime barons, heroin and other deadly drugs remain readily
available. Treatment facilities are gravely inadequate.

Premature deaths of heroin abusers are common. That is not to say that
we should tolerate the present spate of fatalities. It is rather to
hope that it will shock the powers that be into reviewing policy,
finding ways of curbing the vile trade and preventing young people
from forming an addition that can lead to early deaths and will
certainly lead to miserable lives.