Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
52. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a campaign to highlight the negative personal health effects of cocaine use; if his Department can provide up-to-date statistics on the prevalence of patients with conditions related to cocaine use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26670/23]
View answerCocaine is a stimulant type drug that can make people feel more alert, energetic and confident. It can cause significant health risks and long terms harms such as dependency. The effects of cocaine start quickly but are short lived meaning they wear off quickly which can lead a person to re-dose. Cocaine causes the release of the chemical dopamine in brain circuits which results in a euphoric feeling or ‘high’. The high is sometimes followed by what is known as a ‘crash’ or ‘comedown’ where the person can feel very low.
A comprehensive factsheet on cocaine use in Ireland is available from the Health Research Board HRB Document Template (drugsandalcohol.ie).
Information about cocaine, its effects and harm reduction advice is available on Drugs.ie Cocaine Information and Risk Reduction - Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland - Drugs.ie
In response to an increase in the use of cocaine powder and crack, the HSE and the Ana Liffey Drugs Project have developed a campaign to reduce the harms associated with cocaine use. This includes information and harm reduction resources for people who use drugs and healthcare professionals, and is available here Cocaine - Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland - Drugs.ie
Data from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System shows that in 2021 there were 3,248 cases presenting for treatment of cocaine. Crack cocaine accounted for 16.9% of all cases treated for cocaine as a main problem. Treatment services have responded to the increase in cocaine use in society by providing a growing number of people with appropriate care.
While there is not a specific replacement medication for cocaine, many people require treatment for comorbid conditions, such as depression, anxiety and in some cases, psychosis. The principle treatment approach for cocaine use is psychological in nature.
Developing harm reduction responses and integrated care pathways for high-risk drug users including the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine is a strategic priority for the National Drugs Strategy for the period 2021-2025. This initiative will also contribute to a whole-of-government response to the social determinants and consequences of drug use in disadvantaged communities.
In January 2022, the Department of Health announced €850,000 in recurring funding for an HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms associated with the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine, with a further €500,000 awarded in 2023 . The funding supports models of best practice in cocaine treatment, including the development of training programmes for addiction service staff nationally, and the establishment of targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities worst affected by cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. Initiatives were funded in four CHOs - CHO 3, CHO 4, CHO 7 and CHO 9.
I am committed to supporting initiatives to reduce the harms associated with cocaine use.
