Pubdate: Fri, 04 Aug 2000
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Author: Kathryn Torney

HELPLINE AS KIDS COCAINE SHOCK REVEALED

The first freephone confidential drugs helpline in Northern Ireland was 
launched today.

And the new initiative is being supported by a billboard advertising 
campaign throughout mid-Ulster.

The Dungannon-based drugs information and support project Breakthru 
unveiled the Know Drugs campaign in Dungannon, Cookstown and Armagh.

The new information awareness drive comes as the organisation released the 
findings of a new survey which revealed that teenagers in Northern Ireland 
are using cocaine in growing numbers.

The Breakthru Survey 2000 was carried out in the 14 post-primary schools in 
the Dungannon and Cookstown areas.

Over 500 young people, aged between 14 and 18, were interviewed.

Over half of respondents said they knew where to get at least one illegal 
drug and 40% have been offered a drug.

Twenty-two per cent of the young people had used drugs with cannabis being 
the most popular drug.

And two thirds of those who took part in the research know someone who uses 
drugs.

Of those who had used a drug, over 5% had used cocaine.

Friends were the largest supplier of drugs for young people, with more than 
half getting it from this source.

Almost half of those who had used a drug did so in the past month.

The freephone helpline number is 0808 800 2020 and the line will be open 
from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. There is an answerphone facility at all 
other times.

Meanwhile, SDLP MP Eddie McGrady has asked for a meeting with the RUC chief 
constable to discuss ways to tackle the drugs problem in Northern Ireland.

"Due to spiralling violence directly associated with the drugs trade, there 
is an urgent need to examine this new cancer in our society," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager