Illicit Drug Use in Ireland: An Overview of the Problem and Policy Responses

Abstract

Problematic drug use, mainly regarding the use of opiates, has been identified as a major social problem in Ireland. Such problematic drug use has been found to be concentrated in Dublin's inner city areas and outer estates where poverty, multi-generational unemployment, high population density (particularly of young adults), and poor facilities are the norm. Policy responses, although acknowledging the environmental context of the drug problem, have tended to focus on the medical treatment of the individual, rather than tackling the wider social and economic issues.