Task force to tackle crack cocaine usage in local communities

Task force to tackle crack cocaine usage in local communities

By Mary Dennehy

A NUMBER of crack cocaine projects are being piloted in Tallaght from September, a targeted response by drug projects to a significant increase in crack cocaine use across local communities.

On the radar of drug projects for some time, crack cocaine, which is a form of smokable cocaine, is a highly addictive substance that has become part of the poly-drug use culture not only in Tallaght but in communities nationwide.

crack

Locally, drug projects have for a number of years been responding to the emergence of crack cocaine in Tallaght communities, without any additional funding.

Alongside providing support to those presenting with addiction issues, projects have also been working hard to highlight the surge in crack cocaine use locally and the devasting impact it is having on families, especially children.

As far back as March 2017, project workers also spoke of how crack cocaine had secured a stronghold in Tallaght communities, with the drug being smoked by people as young as 13.

In an attempt to respond to the issue at a grass roots level, the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force invited drug projects to come forward with ideas.

Grace Hill, co-ordinator of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) said: “There is a huge crack cocaine issue locally and we wanted to try and support projects in supporting communities.

“The HSE’s answer to substance misuse is not structured around poly-drug use, it’s still built around opiates [heroin].

“We know that all of the projects are struggling to try and support those coming to them for help with crack cocaine, so we invited the projects to come up with some ideas.”

The task force will now support and fund three pilot crack cocaine projects in JADD (Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependancy), CARP (Community Addiction Reponse Programme) in Killinarden and New Hope Residential in Kiltalown Cottage.

Tailored to local needs, each of the projects is different and will run on the ground in communities from September to December.

This is a different ball game all together

“A different response is needed to the issue of crack cocaine – this is a different ball game all together,” Ms Hill said.

“The three pilot projects aim to address the crack cocaine issue and ultimately reduce use.

“The projects will support those with addiction issues through education, counselling and key work and also look at family support – and how crack cocaine is impacting on children and families.”

Additional funding of €10k received by TDATF this year will be used to help support the three crack cocaine projects, which TDATF estimates will cost in the region of €30k.

According to Ms Hill: “Instead of saying to Government that we need money [to deal with crack cocaine use], we are going to run these pilot projects and see what we need money for.

“Over four months, we will learn what works and what doesn’t work and then go forward with a plan.”

For further details or for support visit the TDATF website www.tallaghtdatf.ie – where all local drug projects are listed.

Alternatively call the task force on 4649303.

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