A new report shows young adults are drinking less but their cocaine use is increasing significantly, especially among young women.
Previous reports have raised concerns about cocaine becoming prevalent in rural Ireland and in college settings. Gardaí have previously described towns and cities as “flooded” with the drug, even during the pandemic and its associated restrictions on nightlife.
The new figures show Irish young adults have the second highest rate of cocaine use in Europe (6.8 per cent) after the UK (11.3 per cent). This increase, from 4.9 per cent in 2002/03, appears to be driven by young women.
Have you seen greater cocaine use in your area? Is it becoming more prevalent in your social groups, among friends or within your community? What are attitudes like within your peer group about drug use, and is there an awareness of health risks?
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