3000 fewer using drugs in Northern Ireland

The number of people presenting to drugs misuse services in Northern Ireland shows a 9% drop in the latest report.

The figure is revealed in The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety report ‘Statistics from the Northern Ireland Drug Misuse Database: 1 April 2013 – 31 March 2014‘, which was published today.

This statistical bulletin provides information on individuals presenting to treatment services with problem drug misuse that is collected through the Northern Ireland Drug Misuse Database (DMD).

Key points from the report reveal:

•    In Northern Ireland in 2013/14, a total of 2,574 clients presented to services for problem drug misuse and gave their consent for their details to be included in the DMD. This was 9% lower than in 2012/13 (2,824 clients).
•    More than three-quarters of clients (77%) were male. Male clients were younger than female clients. For males, 36% were aged 18-25 and 18% were aged over 40. For females, 21% were aged 18-25 and 44% were aged over 40.
•    Approximately two-fifths of those presenting for treatment (39%) took just one drug, while a quarter (24%) took two drugs, 14% took three drugs and 23% took four or more drugs.
•    Over four-fifths of all clients (82%) used at least one hypnotic drug, with 60% of all clients using a hypnotic drug as their main drug.
•    Two-fifths of all clients (46%) used at least one stimulant drug, with 16% of all clients using a stimulant drug as their main drug.
•    Over one-quarter of all clients (29%) used at least one opioid analgesic drug, with 21% of all clients using an opioid analgesic drug as their main drug.
•    Considering all drugs used by clients, the most commonly reported drug was Cannabis (used by 62% of clients) followed by Benzodiazepines (used by 37% of clients) and Cocaine (used by 30% of clients).
•    Cannabis was used by 39% of clients as the main drug of misuse in 2013/14, similar to 2012/13.
•    Almost one-third of those presenting for treatment (30%) had previously received treatment for their drug misuse.
•    The proportion of those who had ever injected stood at 10% in 2013/14. Injecting was notably higher in the Northern Trust (37% of clients) compared with all other Trusts (7-10%).
•    Between 2003/04 and 2013/14, use of Cocaine among clients rose from 17% to 30%, while use of Ecstasy (32% to 17%) and Heroin (15% to 10%) both fell.

The Bulletin is available to download here: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/stats-drug-alcohol