THE PROPORTION of people who have used cocaine more than doubled in most parts of the country between 2003 and 2007, new figures show.
The findings are based on a survey of 5,000 people aged between 15 and 64 which was published yesterday by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs.
Overall, the report highlights significant increases in the number of people who have used illegal drugs in almost all parts of the country. Cannabis was the most commonly used illegal drug across all areas, followed by magic mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine.
The biggest increase in cocaine use was in the northeast of the country (Co Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan) where there was a four-fold rise from 1.2 to 5.6 per cent of the population who have used the drug.
Most other parts of the country recorded significant increase in cocaine use with the exception of the southeast (which includes south Tipperary, Co Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny), where cocaine use decreased.
Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, John Curran, said the data will be used in the preparation of a new drugs strategy for the next seven years.
"This survey confirms that illegal drug use is a nationwide problem and highlights the need for a sustained commitment to tackle the problem in the years ahead," Mr Curran said.
Overall, the report highlights significant increases in "lifetime" use of illegal drugs among all adults aged 15-64 in the east coast, midland and the western regional areas. Lifetime use of any illegal drugs varied across regional areas, ranging from 38 per cent in the east coast to as low as 14 per cent in the northwestern area.
Some of the biggest increases in overall drug use were in the west - Co Galway, Mayo and Roscommon - where the proportion of people who have used illegal drugs doubled from 12 per cent to 23 per cent between 2003 and 2007.
Cannabis use in the same region increased from 12 per cent to 21 per cent over the same period.
However the survey showed use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes dropped in the south (Co Cork and Kerry). The use of alcohol among the general population and among women in particular also decreased in the southern area.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Des Corrigan of the advisory committee noted significant differences in the type of drug use between urban and rural areas.
"When the data is mapped, the figures indicate that highly populated areas have, in general, higher prevalence rates of illegal drug use. Conversely, less densely populated areas have higher prevalence rates for sedatives and tranquillisers as well as for anti-depressants."
He said a closer examination of the issue of people using several drugs at once was needed to understand these regional trends.
Dr Corrigan also said high levels of alcohol use, as well as the above-average levels of illicit drug use among young males in particular, highlighted the challenges society faces in the prevention and treatment of drug use.
Full details of the research can be found at www.nacd.ie
Drugs report: key findings
• Cannabisis the most commonly used drug, followed by magic mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine;
• Prevalence rates for use of illegal drugs are highestin the east coast area(38 per cent of the population) and lowestin the northwest(14 per cent);
• More menthan women and more young adultsthan older adults use illegal drugs;
• The proportion of people who have used cocaineincreased significantly in most parts of the country;
• When measured by drugs "taken in the previous month", cocaine is the second most used drugin Ireland;
• Statistically significant decreaseswere observed in the use of amphetamines, LSD and tobaccoin the southwest.