‘Huge rise’ in drug use by people in emergency accommodation
A homeless charity has said it is experiencing what it describes as a “huge rise” in drug use by those in emergency accommodation.
In its annual report, Depaul said there were 127 suspected overdoses in its facilities last year. This was an increase of 81% compared to the previous year.
Staff had to use the overdose antidote drug Naloxone 60 times which is a 150% increase year on year.
Depaul’s CEO David Carroll said that the increased use of crack cocaine and prescription drugs was a noticeable trend and called for more health interventions including safe injection facilities.
Source: rte.ie/news, October 2019. Accessed on October 3rd 2019
