In July 1982 a preliminary investigation (Phase I) of heroin abuse in a north central Dublin area revealed an apparent 9% prevalence of such abuse in persons ages 15-24. Further studies were required. An attempt was made to make a definitive assessment of the period (one year) prevalence of heroin abuse in that area of Dublin. Preliminary assessments of drug misuse were also carried out in Galway, Cork and Sligo. The study also attempted to provide a profile of the heroin abuser. Estimates of the prevalence of heroin abuse in Dublin were based on interviews conducted with known abusers, whose names were supplied by local drug committees. One or more committee members interviewed individuals to ascertain personal and family background information, and his/her use of heroin and other drugs. In north central Dublin, the definitive prevalence of heroin abuse among those aged 15-24 was 10%; but in those aged 15-19 it was 12%; and among females aged 15-19 it was 13%. The heroin abusers had a poor educational and working record; almost all were heavy smokers, and more than one third came from families in which alcohol was a problem. In the provincial cities heroin abuse was rare, though there was abuse of other opiate drugs in Cork, and abuse of a variety of other drugs in all three cities.

The problem of drug misuse will most likely worsen before it is contained. Heroin abuse almost certainly occurs in a substantial number of Dublin areas and perhaps in some provincial centres. A programme of further research is put forward, together with proposals for tackling the drug misuse issue on a regional and national level.