Cocaine hydroxide is a drug that originated from the coca bush leaves and is cultivated mainly in Columbia, Peru, and Bolivia. In Ireland, the drug is available in a powder form (hydrochloride salt) and a solid form, popularly known as crack cocaine. In the European Region, Ireland is among the countries with the highest incidence of cocaine use (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 2018). However, as indicated by the national drug treatment data (Health Research Board, 2018) and the national prevalence data (NACD & PHIRB, 2011), there has been an increase in both powder and crack cocaine use. Local anecdotal reports indicate that the health-related impacts of cocaine and crack cocaine use impact South Inner City. 

The South Inner City Drugs And Alcohol Task Force (SICDATF) area comprises twenty Electoral Divisions of Dublin and is divided into the Southwest and Southeast Quadrants. It spans the area from the South Circular Road in the West to Irishtown in the East and is bordered by the River Liffey and the Grand Canal (excluding Ushers D and E in the Rialto area). The SICDATF members, over the last four years, have raised their concerns about the proliferating drug problem in South Inner-City communities. The issues are the critical level of crack cocaine use and the accumulating detrimental impact this activity has on the South Inner-City communities, drug misuse, visible drug activity, and drug-related intimidation. Services have been at capacity, and over the last two years, there has been an increase in direct referrals and the reporting of violence that has perpetuated blocks for vulnerable service users to access support (South Inner- City Drug and Alcohol Task Force, 2023). The situation is grave and is accelerating, which in turn is presenting severe problems and issues to the fabric and heart of the South Inner-City communities. There is an evident financial requirement to respond in practical and sustainable ways to manage and support people experiencing societal addiction issues. In addition, the anti-social and unmanageable behaviour that presents with crack cocaine use has made the matter more acute. The local communities have been besieged by dealing, intimidation, and fear. As a result, there is a need to undertake research that seeks to understand the support needed to reduce the health-related harms of cocaine and crack cocaine use in the South Inner City. 

The project aims to reduce the health-related harms from cocaine and crack cocaine for individuals, families, and communities. It will provide a model of best practice compatible with Sláintecare and the goals of ‘Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery’ and the National Drug Rehabilitation Framework. Research Objectives

• To report on the health-related harms of cocaine and crack cocaine use.
• To report on the needs of individuals, families, and the community regarding the health-related harms of cocaine and crack cocaine use.
• To make recommendations, in line with good practice, to ensure that the health-related harms from cocaine and crack cocaine use are reduced.