Drug and Alcohol Misuse

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Statistical Publications

Annual statistical bulletins are published on information collected from individuals presenting to treatment services with problem drug misuse through the Drug Misuse Database (DMD) and those in receipt of substitute medication on the Substitute Prescribing Scheme (SPS). These databases collect detailed information on client profile, as well as drugs misused and injecting behaviour. Other annual statistical bulletins include the Addicts Index which collects information on individuals addicted to any of the 14 controlled drugs listed under the Misuse of Drugs (Notification of and Supply to Addicts) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1973, and the Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme, collects information on individuals visiting the scheme, as well as the percentage of visits where a return was made and the number of syringes issued.

Surveys

Prevalence rates for key illegal drugs, such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin, on a lifetime (ever used), last year (recent use), and last month (current use) as well as prevalence rates for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (e.g. tranquillisers), are obtained through the Drug Prevalence Survey. This Survey is jointly commissioned by the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit (DAIRU) in Northern Ireland and the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) in Ireland. Information regarding the use, knowledge and awareness of drugs, solvents and alcohol among 11-16 year olds are obtained through the Young Persons Behaviour and Attitudes Survey. Other recent surveys published by DAIRU include the Adult Drinking Patterns in Northern Ireland 2005 and Knowledge & Use of Alcohol, Cigarettes and Drugs Primary School Survey 2006.

Research

DAIRU have responsibility to commission and manage research in support of the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs 2006-2011. Recent research reports include Estimating the Prevalence of Problem Opiate and Problem Cocaine Use in Northern Ireland April 2006.