Cocaine users' clinic opens in Galway

Health authorities are planning to open a number of drop-in clinics and advice centres aimed at young professionals worried about the effects of cocaine use, in response to increased consumption of the drug.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has just opened the first clinic of its kind in Galway in an effort to try to engage cocaine-users who may be in employment during the day.

The clinic in Galway is offering services such as education, advice, alternative therapy and counselling for people who have developed cocaine-related problems.

The move follows mounting concern over the physical and mental effects of cocaine use. The number of people presenting to health authorities for help with cocaine-related problems has increased tenfold, from 48 in 1999 to 482 in 2005.

Making contact with young cocaine-users has proved difficult, as many see themselves as recreational users rather than as having a drug problem. Many services are structured towards dealing with heroin-users.

Fiona Walsh, regional drugs co-ordinator for the HSE West, said the new service was targeted mainly at people between 20 and 35 who may only be able to access help outside of office hours.

"The kind of problems linked to cocaine use that we're seeing include depression, irritability, sleep disturbance and financial problems," she said.

"Essentially, it's recreational drug use gone wrong."

Cocaine clinics are due to open later this year in Dublin and Cork.

The clinic in Galway is at 64 Dominick Street and is open on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 9pm. It also offers a telephone service at 091-561299.