Pubdate: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 Source: Derry Journal (UK) Copyright: 2007 Johnston Press PLC Contact: http://www.derryjournal.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4557 Author: Laura Lynott 'COCAINE AS AVAILABLE AS SMARTIES' AND 'READILY AVAILABLE' IN INISHOWEN PUBS The Irish scourge of cocaine abuse has hit Inishowen - with claims from a number of local pub bosses that the drug is "readily available" - and a Muff drugs counsellor's warning that the narcotic is "as available as a packet of smarties". Father James Sweeney, who devotes most of his time to helping recovering drug addicts at the White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre in Muff, said cocaine is: "as available as a packet of Smarties" and "available all over Donegal." The controversial statement from a man at the centre of drugs treatment in Inishowen is a very worrying one for the peninsula, also clearly affected by the national scourge of narcotic abuse. The message related to the national press, comes just before Donegal TD Joe McHugh said he'd been told by a number of Inishowen publicans that coke was "readily available" across the peninsula. Nationally in the past few weeks, five young people, including high profile model Katy French have died from coke overdoses. But Inishowen also needs to be aware young people here are endulging in coke abuse, as the drug culture would seem to be changing from soft to hard substances. Fr Sweeney added: "You don't have to go very far until all these drugs are very easily obtained. I assure you I'm not exaggerating - it's in the remotest parts." TD Joe McHugh said: "Cocaine abuse is symptomatic of our society where people's values and value systems are completely different to what they were 20 or 30 years ago. "People living in fast moving society and this is reflective of the types of communities we are living in. "We are at a cross roads where in the past religion was a strong force in terms of social discipline. We need society to get back to basics, to a belief system where there is respect for neighbours and respect for one's self." The politician raised the issue of drugs education in the Dail last Thursday. While the PSNI in the North visit primary and secondary schools, the gardai do not carry out the same ro le in the Republic to teach children the evils of drug abuse. Mr McHugh said: "Our education system is all geared up towards getting a good job and does not teach youngsters how to live a proper life. "There are going to be drugs where there is a demand from young people who feel lost and there is something dysfunctional about this." The Irish Government is preparing a national anti-drugs advertisement blitz to target pubs, clubs and workplaces. The ads will warn youngsters that drugs like cocaine can kill. More than 5,000 logged on to a Government-sponsored website in the last fortnight to find out more. If you would like to find out more information about drugs, log on to: www.drugs.ie. If you are experiencing a problem with drugs, contact the White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre, Muff, where Fr Sweeney is on hand with a number of dedicated staff. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek