|
The illicit
drug situation in Northern Ireland continues to develop and
change. It appears to be establishing its own unique features
compared to other parts of the British Isles sharing some
similarities, but also having quite marked contrasts. The
main drugs of choice remain cannabis, solvents and those drugs
typically associated with the club scene and/or youthful use
ie Ecstasy, speed and LSD. Although injecting drug use, especially
of heroin, is not as significant a feature as in Dublin and
parts of Britain, heroin use has increased markedly over the
last five years, and there are particular concerns about its
use in mid-Antrim, North Down and parts of Belfast. In the
past year there has been growing concern about the use of
cocaine, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that it is moving
beyond being a drug of choice for a small group who can afford
it.
Thus there is
a range of issues confronting those involved in prevention,
and there is a need to ensure that any proposed action is
supported by evidence of its appropriateness, necessity and
probable effectiveness.
The Government's
efforts to tackle the issue of drugs now centres on the joint
implementation of the Drugs and Alcohol Strategies from which
a number of regional and local action plans have been developed
and projects funded. Among these, has been the development
of the Agency's website DrugsAlcohol.Info,
for professionals involved in drugs prevention work.
Within this strategic
context, the HPA's key objectives are to provide support,
advice and accurate information for all those who develop
and implement policies and programmes, and to develop public
information campaigns for agreed target groups and settings.
|
