The number of people in Northern Ireland seeking treatment for drug misuse has shot up by a shocking 24 per cent in the past year, it was revealed today.
At the same time the Health Promotions Agency said almost a third of people aged between 15 and 34 in the province have taken illegal drugs.
Young men especially, were likely to have taken drugs, it said. With the Christmas party season soon to get underway, the agency launched a new poster campaign focusing on the dangers of illegal drug use.
Aimed at the 18-34 age group, the posters are going up in pubs and nightclubs across Northern Ireland.
Recent statistics show that although the use of illegal drugs is lower in Northern Ireland than any other part of the UK, there has been a 24 per cent increase in people presenting for drug treatment in the last year.
The agency said 61 per cent of all users seeking help were aged under 30 and a quarter under 20. The most common drug of misuse in the province is Cannabis, used by 64 per cent of those seeking help, followed by ecstasy, benzodiazepines, cocaine and heroin.
Victoria Creasy, senior manager for alcohol, drugs and tobacco at the HPA said: "We need to challenge and dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings about drugs and their effects.
"One of the posters addresses cannabis use, which remains the main drug of choice in Northern Ireland, yet many people are unaware that cannabis use can lead to mental health problems such as depression, paranoia and anxiety."
She said another poster tackles cocaine use, which had increased in the past year, and highlighted that cocaine users were putting themselves at risk of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and even HIV.
The 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 drink and drugs and the threat to personal safety while under the influence of drugs.
PA