Social Acceptance Blamed For Near Three-Fold Increase In Cocaine Use In Clare

Clare FM

A culture of glamourisation and social acceptance has been blamed for the almost three-fold increase in cocaine use in Clare. New Health Research Board data has revealed 81 people in this county were treated for cocaine use as a main problem last year which is almost treble the 30 cases recorded here in 2017. The number of people seeking help for cocaine use nationwide is up by 200% since 2017 while this figure is 388% for women. Polydrug/Cocaine Initiative Co-Ordinator at Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre in Ennis Maurice Crowe says the recent soft stigma around cocaine doesn't reflect the devastating long-term harm it can cause.