Expert stunned by scale of Cocaine problem: Indo

From the Irish Independent:

Expert 'stunned' by huge scale of problem
Monday September 03 2007

The clinical director of the Rutland Centre says he is "stunned at the severe escalation in the use of cocaine".

Stephen Rowen, from the residential clinic in Templeogue, South Dublin, specialising in addiction, said, "It is no longer news to say that we have a problem in Ireland -- but it is news to realise just how much of a problem we have. Heroin is a severe problem, but it seems to have plateaued. But with cocaine it just seems to keep getting bigger and bigger.

"I can only say that, of the 250 residents we see in a year, more and more people are coming in and reporting their high-level cocaine use. More than ever before.

"I don't know why, although there are theories out there. Too much money, too much alienation, increased urbanisation. A lack of attachment to any local community or family.

"Affordability is a big factor. The cost dropped by about 40pc between 1985 and 1999, but production has gone up."

He said that there is a definite hierarchy, with cocaine users looking down on the heroin users, meaning it is difficult for many to admit they have a problem at all.

"They see cocaine as a party drug, a fun thing, a cool thing."

He argues that this is the key factor in the demand for cocaine -- its acceptance in "polite" society.