In this week’s Third Degree, Paul Bradley speaks with Cora Harvey (McAleer), of the Donegal Alcohol and Drug Service and hears some of the startling statistics surrounding the growing use of cocaine in the county.
Hi Cora, how are you these days?
I am good, busy, on the go. There don’t seem to be enough hours in the day, but overall keeping well.
You were warning us recently about the upsurge in drug addiction, particularly in cocaine. Who (age, gender, etc) seems to be mainly affected by this?
Yeah, we have seen a massive increase in the prevalence of cocaine use and those using cocaine attending for treatment. Over the past five years we have seen an increase of 500% for those citing cocaine as the drug use that precipitated them entering drug treatment services. Drug use affects all ages but treatment data for cocaine are pointing slightly higher for males over females as the age varies, but mainly under 40.
Among those seeking help, is any group feeling the effects even more than the others? Does it affect all ages and sexes similarly (and if not, why not)?
Due to the gender make up you will see the effects quicker on females. However long-term consequences of drug use do not differentiate – drugs are not fussy in terms of who they hurt, and anyone that dabbles in harmful use will eventually see the ill-wanted side effects.
There is a reported increase of cardiac issues amongst users and they report this in treatment. People present with chest pains and may not disclose drug use which is really worrying, perhaps fear or shame prevents them from disclosing their use. But if you use any sort of drug and end up in A&E you should really tell the doctors what you thought you had taken – and I say “thought” because people are not consuming what they think.
How are people falling into the trap these days? Does it somehow seem exciting despite the common negative imagery around it? Are they being offered a tiny bit at parties…?
I think there is a growing sense of immortality – that “it won’t happen to me” and there is that association that the hangover is less, or might get away with it.
Most definitely the availability and supply issue is huge – it’s just too available and the fear is gone. Yes, people are being lured in with cheap bait and then it escalates.
What do you think is driving this phenomenon? Increased lifestyle stress, decreased customs checks, a breakdown in discipline, the cheapness of making the products in Ireland..?
Yes, all of the above, availability is a major issue, sure it is available in every town and village. It may start off cheap but it certainly does not end up cheap and is costly in terms of your mental health, your physical wellbeing and of course drug debt.
What about alcoholism? Has it diminished as a problem, or is it still there but eclipsed by the concern about drug abuse?
No: Alcohol related disorders are alive and kicking – it is still the gateway drug and there is a higher mortality rate with alcohol related disorders than there is with drug use.
Alcohol withdrawal is a very serious issue and must be medically managed through appropriate medications and monitoring, alcohol-related disorders have consequences that are widespread and it is responsible for almost half our suicides, mental health problems and an array of physical health complications.
I think because of the violence and criminality associated with drug use it is hitting the headlines.
As a society we are more comfortable treating alcohol-related disorders – we know more about it – and the drug consequences are evolving as the drug types available are also changing, and changing in purity.
Is your job stressful? Do you feel as if it is making a difference? Are you more involved now with policy and planning than dealing face-to-face?
Yes, there are days the job can be stressful, but I have a great team at the minute. I am lucky to have such a diligent hard working team who have patient care at the centre, and each of them strive to make a change in people’s lives.
Yes, I believe the job we do makes a difference. Absolutely so, and we do not measure difference by abstinence of alcohol or drug use but rather if we have reduced harm, and helped a client make a positive lifestyle choice.
I worked as a clinician for 15 years and the last six years have been in team leadership and service development. Service development is really interesting as you see what works nationally and internationally and you do your best to bring that here.
Over the past number of years we have seen such a change in service provision from availability of Naloxone (medication used to temporarily alleviate the effects of opioids), to pharmaceutical interventions to psychological interventions.
Are there any countermeasures you would like to see implemented, either nationally (should drugs be legalised and controlled?) or personally (is Just Say No still effective)? Have you seen any other countries deal well with the issue?
We legalised and controlled alcohol and look what happened? I personally do not think legalising drugs is the answer, decriminalisation for possession for personal use is another story and yeah, I would work with the health-led approach to a degree (though this has to be well managed and controlled).
I do feel the health led approach is worth a try, but I also feel there have to be consequences if one is involved in supply, as for some they are basically supplying a loaded gun.
I think we need to look more at prevention measures and not just react and treat the problem.
Where do you see us in 30 years (not just thinking of addictions here, but all the world’s other problems too…probably an unfair question, but I’m curious if you can do your work and still stay optimistic)?
That’s a tough one. I am a little worried with how fast the AI and digital world is taking over. I love social media but I fear the consequences of it; I especially fear how it can be misused.
I also do wonder what Ireland in 30 years’ time will look like – I think we are walking a tight rope in terms of keeping our culture alive and being an open inclusive society.
Do you have free time when you’re not thinking about work, and how do you fill it?
I’m very much involved with Setanta Hurling Club and rarely miss a local camogie or hurling game.
Our senior team are approaching the biggest game in the history of Donegal club hurling as we have qualified for the Ulster Intermediate final. No other team in Donegal has reached this level – so I am very proud of the players and the club.
I also do a bit of social running with Finn Valley Fit 4 Life. Our coach is Brendan Patton – he is great at keeping us involved. We participate in running events such as half marathons abroad and at home.
I have completed a number of half marathons and I have run four marathons. Some adventure races too. I find running a great outlet and a great social scene.
Any big plans for the future? What about the whispers that you’re about to return to politics..?
Ha ha, yeah it’s on my radar for sure; when I left, I left…but I did say “give me a shout in 10 years”. It’s in the DNA and I’ve always had a desire to be part of building a United Ireland and an Ireland of equals. I can’t stand a society that allows ‘some can and some can’t depending on your postcode. Equality is important to me and people deserve a fair shout in whatever they do.
Is there anything else you would like to raise?
I don’t have the answer but road safety needs to be addressed. Also young people and vaping – thank God there is some work happening on regulation on that one.
Ah, there is loads on my mind, but I’ll leave it at that for now.
Quick fire
The book or the film?
Oh the book (The Silent Patient – by Alex Michaelides).
What do you look for most in a friend?
Loyalty
Favourite kind of night (in with the telly, out with friends, etc)?
Out with friends (Definitely!)
What angers you?
Suppression of an alternative opinion – I believe in informed choice.
Do you have a motto you try to live by?
“What is meant for you will not pass you” – my mother always says this.
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