267 drug and alcohol related deaths in the past eight years in Tallaght area

Drug-related deaths have been on the rise since 2004 when 17 people died, seven of whom had a history of alcohol dependency.

In 2013, these figures jumped by almost nine per cent, with 52 people dying from drug-related deaths, 24 of whom where alcohol dependent only [people with a history of alcohol dependency.

The profile is similar to national figures, with the majority of deaths among young males and, as also reflected in national figures, a rise in heroin-related poisoning deaths.

In 2013, after heroin, methadone, diazepam and alcohol were the most common drugs implicated in poisoning deaths, with the main causes of non-poisoning deaths being cardiac arrest and loss of life by suicide.

An increase in non-poisoning deaths among alcohol dependant people was also recorded since 2004 when seven people lost their lives compared to 26 in 2013.

The majority of these deaths (77 per cent) were males aged around 55 years, with the main reasons for the loss of life being cardiac arrests and traumatic falls.

Grace Hill, Co-ordinator of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (TDATF), told The Echo: “For a number of years, the task force has been raising the issue of increasing drug and alcohol deaths locally.

“It’s also important to note that these stats relate to those with drugs or alcohol in their system. However, sadly, many more deaths relating to drugs or alcohol use occur regularly.

“Suicide, for instance, is a huge grey area where substance use may not be the primary cause of death but was a factor.”

Ms Hill also stressed that the TDATF’s area reaches beyond Tallaght, so they are concerned that the numbers of drug and alcohol-related deaths in their catchment area is higher again.

For further information on the TDATF visit www.tallaghtdatf.ie, where a list of local drug projects and support services are listed.

 

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