Ireland is experiencing an escalating problem with drug abuse.
The issue of drug taking in Ireland is highlighted by an incident at a house in the north Dublin suburb of Clontarf. Eight people sniffed strychnine, mistaking it for cocaine. One of them died, while three are seriously ill and the other four are satisfactory.
Over the past 10 years the problem has been steadily on the increase.
Drug offences are up as are the number of people using hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Dr William Ryan, registrar of the drugs unit at Jervis Street Hospital, which treats addicts, believes the drug problem is very serious and growing.
It does appear to be spreading into more rural areas.
Dr William Ryan believes drug abuse can be tackled in several ways. Education is an important part of prevention. The availability of drugs is an issue, and the Garda Drug Squad need more support to deal with pushers, many of whom have criminal backgrounds.
There is a rise in young people of school-going age experimenting with drugs. Some are sniffing bags of industrial glue for a high. This can lead to problems with the brain, kidneys and lungs. Others are taking magic mushrooms, and run the risk of ingesting poisonous varieties.
Dr William Ryan explains that taking unknown substances carries a huge risk. Drug addicts have an increased mortality rate but,
Always run the risk of killing themselves in just one go with one drug abuse.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 October 1980. The reporter is Charlie Bird.
