Crack cocaine is now proving the most problematic substance
By Mary Dennehy
A NATIONAL Drug Strategy that recognises the seriousness of crack cocaine is needed, as the availability and use of the drug continues to sweep across communities.
Engaged with community drug work since 1996, councillor Mick Duff believes that crack cocaine is proving to be the ‘most problematic substance’ – and should be recognised at a national level.
Crack cocaine availability and use of the drug continues to sweep across communities
The Vice Chair of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, Cllr Duff is based at the St Aengus Community Action Group in Tymon North, a methadone programme, which is now providing crack pipes.
“Crack cocaine is emanating as being the most problematic substance,” Cllr Duff said.
“For someone who is heavily addicted and taking crack cocaine seven days a week, it’s costing a grand.
“Have a think about the fallout of that cost on any family.
“If a family is on social welfare, every penny coming in, is going out.
“If there’s a minimum wage coming into the house, that will stop… it’s impossible to keep a job down.”
Cllr Duff re-iterated repeated calls from the community for additional resources and dedicated workers for crack cocaine programmes.
“The workload is extreme in all projects, especially for projects like JADD in Jobstown and CARP in Killinarden, which at the moment are at the cutting edge,” he said.
“However, history has thought us that it will spread.
“The more I’m hearing, the more worried and concerned I am that this situation [with crack cocaine] will overwhelm projects.”
Alongside demand for dedicated crack cocaine services, existing programmes for heroin are also under pressure.
“There is an increase in need for heroin services,” Cllr Duff said.
“If a person is on a stimulant like crack cocaine all the time, heroin is used to come down.
“Tallaght has had treatment on demand, walk-in services for heroin but we’re facing waiting lists now.
“If you hear of a waiting list for heroin services, you know it is down to crack cocaine.”
Following 25 years of experience in local drug work, Cllr Duff believes: “In areas where there is a concentration of users and dealers, we need to see [Garda] uniforms on the street.
“We need to see change in policing and an inter-agency approach.
“We need the HSE to be sitting down and listening to projects like JADD and CARP.
“We need recognition in the National Drug Strategy that crack cocaine should be treated with the same seriousness as opiates.
“There is a remoteness from TDs, we need a concerted effort.
“Now is the moment for people to step up to the plate.”
Grace Hill, Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force co-ordinator, also called for an inter-agency approach – and a National Drug Strategy that recognises crack cocaine and the changing drug culture.
The Echo asked the HSE earlier this month about the National Drug Strategy, and how its programmes were reflecting the changing drug culture in communities.
Noting the extension of the sterile crack pipe programme, a spokesperson for HSE said: “The HSE has been aware for some time about the emergence of crack cocaine as a problem in certain areas and have been producing resources to support services to address this.”
The Echo also contacted South Dublin County Council about its role in supporting communities affected by the impact of crack cocaine.
In a comment to The Echo, a council spokesperson said: “The council engages with all relevant agencies and stakeholders in relation to the delivery of effective estate management and tenancy sustainment.
“We have a dedicated Estate Management team and professionally qualified social workers available to provide support to council tenants who may be experiencing difficulty with their tenancy.”
For further information on local supports and drug projects call the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task force on 01 4649303 or visit www.tallaghtdatf.ie
