Recent levels of all illegal drug use have risen in Ireland by 1.9% between 2010/11 and 2014/15. The findings are revealed in the study “Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland”, arising from data collected in the fourth Drug Prevalence Survey. Results released relating to Cannabis, Polydrug and New Psychoactive Substance use and Prescription Drug Use indicate that Cannabis continues to be the most commonly used illegal drug and that the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has dropped significantly. Minister for Health Promotion and the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD said “I welcome the publication of the findings of these three surveys, which serve to inform us of trends in drug use and inform policy formulation and future planning and action. The publication in 2017 of “Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025” was an important milestone in emphasising and progressing a health-led, person-centred approach to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. “A number of actions in “Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery” address the survey findings, especially the continuing need for preventative measures that focus on young people. The strategy commits to developing targeted, appropriate and effective services for young people at risk of substance misuse, focused on socially and economically disadvantaged communities. “In progressing our strategy and its priority actions, I secured €1 million annually for this new fund. The initial focus of the fund will be to prevent the use of benzodiazepines among young people. I am aware that services on the ground are concerned about the rapid increase in numbers of young people taking benzodiazepines in combination with other substances. This new funding will enable services to reach out to these young people and give them the supports that they need.” The key findings of the Cannabis Results:
The key findings of the Prescription Drugs report:
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