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LAST UPDATE | 30 Sep 2023
THE USE OF cannabis in Ireland is “of great concern”, the Chief Medical Officer has expressed to the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use.
Professor Breda Smyth said one in five adult cannabis users are likely to be dependent on the drug while one in three young persons are likely to become addicted if they use it at least once a week.
Speaking to the fifth meeting of the citizens’ assembly, she said: “The strength of cannabis, or its potency, has increased by 57% in the 10 years from 2011-2021.”
She said the profile of cannabis use has also changed with people using the drug more frequently, often daily.
“Cannabis can cause addiction,” she said. “We have 45,000 people with cannabis-use disorders in the latest data.”
Under-18s account for 80% of new presentations to cannabis addiction treatment services.
Professor Smyth also warned of the hidden harm to children living with parental problem drug use.
In her address, the chief medical officer said drug use is “a significant public health problem in Ireland”.
She said there were 409 drug-induced deaths in 2020, adding that drug-related hospitalisations account for approximately 53,000 inpatient bed days each year.
Professor Smyth said that there had also been a steady increase in admissions to psychiatric services associated with drug-related causes.
“We know that the profile of drug users in Ireland has changed significantly over the last 30 years.
“Drug use can affect us all, from all social classes across every county in Ireland but it affects those more severely in deprived areas.”
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Thank for such a brilliant piece our son has Asperger’s syndrome and while he copes very well it does lead to difficulties and particularly in the secondary education system which appears to just want pigeon whole people instead of embracing difference
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your lovely comment.
There are definetly many challenges for people with AS in Secondary School, I can say that from experience as I am preparing for the Leaving Cert!
Would love if you checked out some of the pieces on AspergersAdvice.org about Second Level and Exams and also if you considered interacting with us on the site.
Thanks,
Adam
Pity it didnt explain a little of the symptoms. Might help with identification and awareness of those not so familiar.
As i have a sibling with autism, I am speaking from experience. It is quite hard to list issues associated with autism. To explain them is a whole other kettle of fish! I understand where you are coming from though, there are plenty of Irish websites that are very resourceful and have been very helpful to me and my brothers :)
Hi Simon,
Thanks for comment.
For those wanting to find out more re symptoms etc. they can see our site AspergersAdvice.org or can read my earlier piece on thejournal.ie, where I talk about that – link here, http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/aspergers-special-needs-adam-harris-577457-Aug2012/
Hope that helps!
Adam
As commented before, I have Aspergers. Right now, I couldn’t be getting more support if I tried. Understanding management, understanding colleagues and medical support. Doing really well.
But we need to talk about it, and make it normal. Then we will begin to have a fair society. Until then, nothing to do but keep plugging away at it.
Hi Eric,
Delighted to hear you are getting such positive support.
I could not agree more regarding the need for us to discuss the condition more, that is what we are trying to achieve with AspergersAdvice.org (and are currently preparing for a big redesign project to help us do this).
Would love if you checked our site out and considered contributing.
Thanks,
Adam
My daughter has autism. When she is distressed we try and calm her by using sounds and colours that are soothing to us. It doesn’t work all the time because we forget she sees the world different and probably hears it differently as well. I think we need to start to try different things for children with autism because the current system, while it means well, isn’t working.
Hi John,
I agree.
I think a big problem is that the system often tries to impose a one size fits all approach instead of recognising everyone is different! In fact I think that is a problem in how the condition is perceived as a whole, not alone in regards services etc. but even in regards how people understand and treat those with the condition, people generally mean well but that doesn’t mean they get it or the fact that each person on the spectrum is totally different!
We have some interesting articles on AspergersAdvice.org from people trying to innovate and find news ways to support people on the spectrum – they are well worth a look, would also love to see you getting involved with us through the site which is currently preparing to redesign and expand, catering for the whole autistic spectrum.
Thanks,
Adam
I’m already a member of Laois/Offaly families for Autism(LOFFA) but I would like to be involved someway. We are only going to reach a solution by everyone contributing. I was at the National Concert Hall today and you could see that each child was somehow different. Maybe we need to change to fit their requirements rather than the other way round.
Great article Adam :)
as always…
a real ambassador for Autism!
Helen and Fionn
Thanks Helen & Fionn,
You guys are a constant source of inspiration for so many people (myself included) through both AspergersAdvice.org & your own AutisticandProud.wordprss.com
Great article , well done. Some great comments . One thing I don’t understand here are the red thumbs on some of the comments . I have a 5 year old son with autism , and he is very funny , so affectionate , into mischief , but on some levels he miles ahead of his peers when it comes figures, reading and especially electronic devices. He loves making movies and narrating them in his own language . His talk has developed a lot in the last year. But then he has no sense of danger what so ever, oh and he thinks he is the boss in the house. What a gift of a son we got !!
@Michael. Your son is exactly how I would describe my Six year old boy who is also on the spectrum :)
Forgot to mention we have been very fortunate, we have an Assistance Dog from IGDB. A super dog. Unbelievable the difference it has made for the whole family. The dog is also helping with awareness to danger. Just amazing to be honest.
Our son is the very same
Excellent article Adam, very well written. Keep spreading awareness! Aspergers is even less understood IMO than other autistic spectrum disorders
Hi Paula,
Thanks a lot!
Yeah – I think there are real problems regards people understanding how broad the Autistic Specturm really is. In fact I think people often even struggle to understand the vast array of disabilities out there, umbrella terms such as “Special Needs” are all too often used to bunch huge groups of people, with totally different needs together.
Thanks,
Adam
There is an awareness about autism within wider society. Where issues arise is the lack of services for children and their families. Often the diagnosis needs more testing out but services in to the future are lacking and piecemeal. But Autism faces many challenges, the fact that DSM has reviewed Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome under the one category, once again shows us the fragility of how we assess and support a person with social and communication difficulties.
I am amazed, like the UK, we need an Autism Act. This move to regulate the person through a specific act, if anything dehumanizes the person.
What we face is a wider societal issue such as care and how we develop provisions for the person with disabilities. The lack of equal citizenship persons with a disability has in areas such as education, mental health and adult social care; which all persons with an intellectual, sensory or physical disability can be supported to be active citizens.
Hi Aodhan,
I agree lack of services and indeed poor distribution of services is a big problem. DSM V will also pose big challenges and in truth it could be many years before we can clearly see its impact and how it has affected diagnosis, perception and support of people with Autism or Aspergers Syndrome in Ireland.
My own views, as a person with Asperger’s, is that their is an awareness but all too often not a real understanding of the condition and its complexity among wider society and I think that ties in with some of the societal issues you raise.
We have articles on many of the topics you raised over on AspergersAdvice.org – worth checking them out!
Thanks,
Adam
Such a broad spectrum, I would guess that one in eighty eight people on the AS is actually a gross understatement no?
We’ll said Adam. Knew when I met you years ago you’d be a voice to be heard.
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