COCAINE IN WIDE USE BY TEENS

SIXTEEN-year-olds are getting hooked on cocaine in Northern Ireland, a
drugs awareness group warned today.

The Dungannon-based Breakthru Project said the highly addictive drug -
known as 'crack' - is now widely available across Northern Ireland.

The organisation is so concerned at the threat posed by the drug that it is
launching a major 'pre-emptive education initiative' later this week.

On Friday a national television celebrity will launch Northern Ireland's
campaign to create awareness of the dangers of cocaine.

Breakthru's manager John McGinley said: "Cocaine is emerging in communities
throughout Northern Ireland. Young people need to be alerted to the
imminent dangers of 'trying out' or experimenting with it.

"People who use cocaine can become compulsively involved until it controls
their lives. This alone exerts an excessive 'pull' on the user. There is
absolutely no place for feelings of smugness or invulnerability to cocaine
risks.

"The task we have is essentially an educational one whereby we empower
young people with information."

He attributes some reasons for a rise in cocaine's popularity to the fact
that young drug users are worried about the quality and dangers associated
with Ecstasy and regard amphetamines as a poor substitute.

In comparison, cocaine is seen as relatively safe, predictable and a
reliable alternative.

A poster and hard-hitting pocket guide will be available to young people
who take part in the programme. The course also includes a 45-minute
multi-media presentation.

Initially, the programme will run in the Cookstown and Dungannon area. But
it is hoped to make it available across the province.

"We've had an amazing response to our invitations to attend the launch. A
wide range of people are coming, including policy-makers and civil
servants, educators, parents, doctors and health experts," said Mr McGinley.

The project's aim is to engage 16-25-year-olds in preventative steps before
their drugs problem becomes uncontrollable.