YOUNG teenagers are abusing heroin and other substances, which are widely available within the city centre.
That’s the disturbing message from Billy Fox, general manager of ALJEFF addiction treatment centre.
He told the Limerick Post that he could ask people being treated for heroin and they could supply it in less than 10 minutes.
Fox has asked that the problem be confronted. “People are afraid of it and think it will go away but we have a history in Ireland of closing our eyes to problems in society”.
Heroin is believed to be the most widely available drug. He explained: “It is much cheaper for people to get a fix of heroin for the day than it is to pay for a day’s drinking”.
The counsellor feels that people need to be more open-minded about drug addiction and look past the “junkie” stereotype, “Nobody sets out to become an addict, it begins with experimentation, leads to dependency and continues to addiction”.
He is adamant that alcohol is the gateway drug to all substances and our tolerance to its abuse is unacceptable, “Alcohol is just as bad as heroin, people need to assess their acceptance of alcohol abuse and this begins at home where people need to watch their drinking”.
ALJEFF treatment centre was established in 2000 to combat addiction growth and suicide related to substance abuse after two brothers Alan and Jeffrey Roche, took their own lives within a few days.
Mr Fox said although most of his clients are addicted to heroin or cocaine, their gateway drug was alcohol.
He pointed out that people use substances to numb pain, “A lot use alcohol and drugs to numb pain and escape their problems and the reality of everyday life”.
Clients are referred for treatment at the ALJEFF addiction centre on the Ballysimon Road by their GP or probation services.
During the full-time treatment programme, each client stays in their own accommodation. Fox believes that this is an important part of the recovery process, “They stay in their own accommodation and are left with the responsibility of arriving at the treatment centre at 9-30 am, is a huge success in itself”
He added the process does not end once the treatment is finished. “There is an inter-agency aftercare service which involves probation services, Limerick Youth Service and Slainte. Working with agencies that have expertise in other areas is vital”.
ALJEFF also have a mental health expert who will assess each client.
Fox clarified their purpose. “The aim is to identify dual diagnosis (when someone is abusing a substance to deal with a mental health problem such as depression) in an addict or other mental health issues”.
The aim of ALJEFF is to get the client through the recovery process and enable them to re-enter education or return to work.
Five former clients now work part-time in the treatment centre, and three others have returned to third level education. Although ALJEFF work within the prison system and with probation services, Fox took to opportunity to dispel the myth that criminals take advantage of rehabilitation, “We do not give court reports to clients if they are requested… we only give reports when they are requested by the court”.
He also wanted to dismiss recent reports that the prison system is awash with narcotics.
“Compared to 10 years ago, drugs are not as freely available within the prison. There has been a huge clampdown by staff but naturally, drugs will always slip through the system”.
ALJEFF now have 11 clinical counsellors and also provide outreach workers in the communities of Moyross, Southill and St Mary’s Park, as well as homeless outreach in the city’s hostels.
Inspector John O’Reilly of Henry Street Garda Station said, “Heroin is a serious problem in Limerick City as it is in most cities and the Gardai are continuously investigating the sale and supply of drugs within the city.”
He highlighted the excellent detection rate of the Garda Drugs Squad within the city, he pleaded for public co-operation, “Anyone with any information on individuals selling or supplying heroin or any other drugs should contact the Gardai in confidence.”
