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15/11/2005
Poster campaign targets illegal drug use
A new poster campaign focusing on the dangers of illegal drug use was launched today by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA).
The posters, which are aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds, will go on display in pubs and nightclubs across Northern Ireland.
Victoria Creasy, Senior Manager for Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco at the HPA, said: “In Northern Ireland, almost one in three people aged between 15 and 34 have taken illegal drugs in their lifetime, with young men especially likely to have done so.
"It is vital to continue to highlight the serious health risks presented by drugs, as well as the negative impact which drug use can have on people’s lives.”
Recent statistics have shown that although the use of illegal drugs is lower in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the UK, there has been an increase of 24% in the number of people presenting for drug treatment in the last year with 61% of all users seeking help aged under 30 and a quarter (24%) aged under 20.
The most common drug of misuse in Northern Ireland is cannabis with almost two thirds (64%) of individuals presenting for treatment reporting misuse of cannabis, followed by ecstasy, benzodiazepines, cocaine and heroin.
The news campaign also covers the general risks associated with drugs use such as drink spiking, not knowing what other harmful substances drugs may contain, the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol and the threat to personal safety while under the influence of drugs.
(MB/SP)
The posters, which are aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds, will go on display in pubs and nightclubs across Northern Ireland.
Victoria Creasy, Senior Manager for Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco at the HPA, said: “In Northern Ireland, almost one in three people aged between 15 and 34 have taken illegal drugs in their lifetime, with young men especially likely to have done so.
"It is vital to continue to highlight the serious health risks presented by drugs, as well as the negative impact which drug use can have on people’s lives.”
Recent statistics have shown that although the use of illegal drugs is lower in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the UK, there has been an increase of 24% in the number of people presenting for drug treatment in the last year with 61% of all users seeking help aged under 30 and a quarter (24%) aged under 20.
The most common drug of misuse in Northern Ireland is cannabis with almost two thirds (64%) of individuals presenting for treatment reporting misuse of cannabis, followed by ecstasy, benzodiazepines, cocaine and heroin.
The news campaign also covers the general risks associated with drugs use such as drink spiking, not knowing what other harmful substances drugs may contain, the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol and the threat to personal safety while under the influence of drugs.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
