The Adolescent Addiction Service (AAS) of the Health Service Executive (HSE) provides support and treatment in relation to alcohol and drug use for young people and families from the Dublin suburbs of Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan, and Inchicore. Services provided include advice, assessment, counselling, family therapy, professional consultations, and medications if required. In 2022, AAS published a report detailing referrals for 2021.1

Referrals

In 2021, AAS worked with 50 young people and their families, with a mean age of 15.5 years (range: 13–18 years). This figure includes new referrals, re-referrals, and continuances. The majority of young people were male (70%), while 6% were non-Irish nationals. In terms of referral areas, the greatest numbers of referrals were from Clondalkin followed by Lucan and Ballyfermot.

Drug and alcohol use

Cannabis (weed) continued to be the main substance used by clients, with an overall use rate at 96%, while alcohol use was at 54% (see Figure 1). Other substances of use included cocaine (16%), benzodiazepines (16%), ketamine (8%), and amphetamines (6%). Solvents and head-shop-type products did not feature among young people’s substance use in 2021. However, 8% admitted to taking nitrous oxide on occasion.

Other issues

Other issues that presented related to absconding, indebtedness, and holding, distributing or dealing drugs. Some young people had social work involvement and 34% had been assigned a juvenile liaison officer at some stage. The majority of young people (90%) were seen by a family therapist only, with 10% having a psychiatric assessment. Some 4% of clients were prescribed medication within the service in 2021.

Source: HSE AAS (2022)

Figure 1: Main substances used by AAS clients, 2021

­Conclusions

The report authors noted that, as in previous years, most young people had established patterns of substance use prior to referral and, as a consequence, some struggle to maintain a drug-free status. Nevertheless, most achieve stability and several remain abstinent. They concluded that there is a need for parents and non-parental adults to identify young people within risk groups at an early stage and to elevate concern for them.
 

1    Adolescent Addiction Service (AAS) (2022) Adolescent Addiction Service report 2022. Dublin: Health Service Executive. https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/35606/