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05/03/2009
NI's Drug Scene Expands
The number of drug addicts in Northern Ireland is increasing.
According to the Department of Health's Statistical Bulletin summarising information from the Northern Ireland Addicts Index, there were 281 persons registered on the index' at 31 December 2008, an increase of 24 from the previous year. Heroin was the most frequently used notifiable drug, reported by 77% all addicts registered at the end of 2008.
Methadone (25%) and cocaine (6%) remain the next most commonly reported drugs.
Men continue to be the main problem, with the gender profile in 2008 similar to that in 2007 where 83% of addicts were male in 2008, and 81% in 2007.
The age profile was also similar, with 25% of registered addicts being aged 29 years and under in 2008, compared to 29% in 2007.
In 2008, 51% of those registered addicts whose injecting behaviour was known reported currently injecting. This is an increase from 44% in 2007.
Of the 281 addicts on the Index, 69 were registered within the last year. Some 139 addicts have been registered between one and five years. The remaining 73 addicts have been registered between six and 19 years.
People are registered on the index if they are known to be, or if a medical practitioner considers them to be, addicted to one or more of 14 controlled drugs.
(BMcC/JM)
According to the Department of Health's Statistical Bulletin summarising information from the Northern Ireland Addicts Index, there were 281 persons registered on the index' at 31 December 2008, an increase of 24 from the previous year. Heroin was the most frequently used notifiable drug, reported by 77% all addicts registered at the end of 2008.
Methadone (25%) and cocaine (6%) remain the next most commonly reported drugs.
Men continue to be the main problem, with the gender profile in 2008 similar to that in 2007 where 83% of addicts were male in 2008, and 81% in 2007.
The age profile was also similar, with 25% of registered addicts being aged 29 years and under in 2008, compared to 29% in 2007.
In 2008, 51% of those registered addicts whose injecting behaviour was known reported currently injecting. This is an increase from 44% in 2007.
Of the 281 addicts on the Index, 69 were registered within the last year. Some 139 addicts have been registered between one and five years. The remaining 73 addicts have been registered between six and 19 years.
People are registered on the index if they are known to be, or if a medical practitioner considers them to be, addicted to one or more of 14 controlled drugs.
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
