Pubdate: Sat, 14 Jan 2006
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2006 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/42
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

ULSTER DRUGS CULTURE MUST BE SMASHED

While the debate continues over whether to legalise cannabis, an even
more insidious drugs menace is beginning to manifest itself. New
research shows that cocaine use is undergoing a worrying increase in
Northern Ireland. The amount of the drug seized by police is on the up
year by year.

Although the use of cocaine has not so far ravaged Northern Ireland in
the way it has cut a swathe through the Republic, the alarm bells
should be ringing here. A survey carried out jointly by the Department
of Health in Belfast and the National Advisory Committee on Drugs in
Dublin has come up with disturbing findings.

Some 43% of people in Northern Ireland who took part in the survey
reported it was "fairly easy" or "very easy" to obtain cocaine. And
nearly two-thirds of people here who had tried cocaine were given the
drug by someone they knew.

Just about the only crumb of comfort was the conclusion that most
abuse consisted of the use of cocaine powder rather than the more
powerful compound of crack cocaine. But to judge from what has
happened in Dublin, cocaine use often leads on to experimenting with
crack cocaine.

Part of the problem is that cocaine is viewed by many users as a chic
drug because it has been used by stars such as Kate Moss and Pete
Doherty. But as the experts point out, the idea that cocaine powder is
a clean, pure drug is a dangerous myth.

Cocaine can produce a feeling of euphoria but there are alarming
side-effects. Use of the drug can trigger paranoia and lead to serious
mental health problems, which are exacerbated by metabolic rate.

Users report that they suffer depression when they are not using the
drug, and often take it up again to combat further depression. As with
any drug, addiction is a major problem.

The most worrying aspect of the increasing use of cocaine is its
popularity with people in the mid-to-late 20s who cannot blame
youthful innocence for their indulgence. It is a vicious circle, in
that those who take the drug regularly find they need to increase the
dosage in order to generate the same level of stimulation.

Given the trendy image of the drug, people can feel under pressure to
experiment. But they should be in no doubt that they are wrecking
their lives.

Where there are drugs, there are usually paramilitaries and the PSNI
says there is evidence of involvement by republican and loyalist
groupings. They are in the business to make money, caring little for
the lives they destroy along the way.

This research should act as a wake-up call for people in Northern
Ireland. Before it is too late, the cycle of cocaine abuse must be
broken. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake