SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEM OF UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRUG USE

ALCOHOL abuse is widespread in the Mid-West region with a half of
14-year-olds surveyed drinking.

The drugs problem in Limerick City is not as bad as Dublin but moving in
that direction, said Dr Kevin Kelleher, Director of Public Health for the
Mid-Western Health Board yesterday.

The Board launched the first new Drug and Alcohol Service outside Dublin to
be a first point of contact for all drug and alcohol users or concerned
persons and as a signpost to other services in the region, including
treatment options.

The service is staffed by two education officers, a counsellor, team leader,
and administrative support who provide information and confidential advice
in person and by telephone on their callsave number 1850 700 850.

Dr Kelleher said that recent surveys had shown a major problem of underage
drinking in the Mid-West and many people were experimenting with drugs.

"The problem of experimentation is that there is always the danger of moving
into continued use of drugs which is our big concern," stated Dr Kelleher.

He expressed serious concern about the widespread misuse of alcohol in the
Mid-West. A recent study of almost 4,000 secondary students - mostly
underage - showed that 67B78% currently drink alcohol; 45B75% of
13-year-olds and 54B74% of 14-year-olds are current drinkers, and almost 30
of the students have used at least one drug in their lifetime.

Dr Kelleher pointed out that the health board was very concerned about the
major alcohol problem in the 15 to 35 age group and the "large amount of
binge drinking at weekends."

"We have to recognise that youth adolescence is a time of experimenting and
our message is twofold: we are trying to stop people experimenting with
alcohol and with drugs," he said.

Mr Brian Neeson, Health Promotion Officer, Mid-Western Health Board, said
that the new service will also be providing information in a leaflet
"Tranquillisers: Short-Term Benefits, Long-Term Risks" on the pros and cons
of one of the most commonly misused drugs among adults in Ireland, while
another leaflet "Dance Drugs: the Raw Facts" targets younger people with
information about ecstasy, amphetamine and LSD.

Checked-by: Don Beck