Rise in youth addiction problems reported
Monday, 20 July 2009 14:39
One of Ireland's leading drug, alcohol and gambling addiction treatment centres has recorded a big increase in its workload.
Figures revealed by the Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre in Co Kilkenny show an increase of 20% in the number of people using its facilities last year.
The centre is the only residential centre in the State providing treatment for young people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs.
Director of the centre Declan Jones claimed that no coherent steps have even been taken to address the increasing problem of drug and gambling addiction among young people.
He said that without national figures, adequate resources cannot be put in place to solve the problem.
The Aishlinn centre has treated more than 1,100 young people since it opened 10 years ago, and last year provided treatment for 135 young people aged from 15 to 21.
