Some 11 per cent of people have taken sedatives or tranquillisers at some stage in their lives and 9 per cent have used anti-depressants, according to a survey by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD).
The findings, published today, indicate that while 89 per cent of current users got their sedatives or tranquillisers on prescription from the chemist, 11 per cent of those using prescription medicines obtained them without a prescription.
The survey found prevalence rates for sedatives or tranquillisers were significantly higher among older respondents, with 15 per cent of those aged 35-64 admitting to using them at least once compared to only 6 per cent of those aged 15-34.
Similarly, the use of anti-depressant medicine was higher among older adults at 11 per cent compared with 7 per cent for their younger counterparts.
Females reported higher prevalence rates than males for use of sedatives or tranquillisers, and anti-depressants across all time periods, the survey showed.
The results form part of a Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland survey carried out by the NACD and the North’s Public Health Information and Research Branch.
A total number of nearly 7,000 people aged 15-64 were surveyed on both sides of the Border between October 2006 and May 2007.
The average age respondents reported they had first used sedatives or tranquillisers was 29 years for males and 31 for females.
The average age respondents reported they had first used anti-depressants was 34 years for males and 30 years for females.
The survey also indicated that respondents who were separated or divorced reported higher prevalence rates for use of sedatives or tranquillisers, and anti-depressants.
Several indicators of deprivation, such as being dependent on the state long term, not being in paid work, lower levels of educational attainment and leaving education before 15, were all associated with higher prevalence rates.
NACD chairman Dr Des Corrigan said the report found associations between gender and various indicators of deprivation and higher prevalence rates.
“The findings indicate that long term state dependence, not being in paid work and lower levels of educational attainment are linked with higher prevalence rates,” he said.
Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy John Curran said the report illustrated the need to focus on legal as well as illegal drugs in addressing the overall problems of substance abuse in Ireland.