A study of cocaine use in Northern Ireland 2009 published

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published a research report showing findings from a study that explored patterns of cocaine use and the lifestyles of users in Northern Ireland in 2009.

The report will be used to inform the ongoing development of policy, prevention and treatment services in respect of cocaine use in Northern Ireland.

Key Findings

• The main findings of the research are as follows: The study identified two types of cocaine user (i) recreational users who were typically young, educated and anchored to a largely conventional lifestyle and whose pattern of non-work activities involved partying and drug use and who claimed to be in ‘control’ of their use and (ii) those referred for drug treatment who had low level educational qualifications and were typically unemployed and living on state benefits and saw themselves as addicted to cocaine.
• Both groups of users were already drug-experienced when they used cocaine for the first time, with initiation to other drugs typically occurring several years before first use of cocaine.
• All cocaine users were polydrug users who had considerable experience with a range of illicit drugs.
• Cocaine initiation typically occurs in familiar settings where the drug is invariably offered by familiar people.
• Recreational users were more animated than treatment users in their portrayal of cocaine linked to self- and social- enhancement including increased self-confidence and feeling more energetic – their accounts focused to a greater extent on the chemical highs they experienced from use. They often reported no negative consequences or side effects arising from their use.
• Treatment users were relatively well-versed on the range of risks associated with cocaine use, including its impact on their physical and mental health and well-being. They frequently referred to their ‘addiction’ to cocaine, whereas the recreational users claimed to ‘control’ their cocaine consumption.
• The researchers suggest that these differences in user perceptions of cocaine risks may have implications for both prevention and treatment initiatives. For example, the report’s authors’ suggest that health messages stressing cocaine’s addictive potential may be ineffective if a majority of recreational users experience and perceive no addictive risk. These users are likely to be more open to messages that match their experiences and to place greater value on advice about how to reduce the potential physical and/or psychological hazards associated with cocaine use.
• The experience of those referred for treatment was varied on this provision across the sample. In contrast, those referred for treatment often diminish the negative impact of cocaine on their lives and on their physical and psychological health, believing that the negative impact of drugs is more related to another substance(s). This has implications for how treatment services respond to this group.

Notes to editors:

1. The Public Health Information and Research Branch within the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety commissioned researchers from Queen’s University of Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin to conduct a study into cocaine use in Northern Ireland.

2. The study was conducted in two phases and the fieldwork began in November 2008.

3. In the first phase a group of 14 treatment professionals were interviewed to explore their perspectives on the extent of cocaine use within their locality, and to obtain their views on current drug provision and drug policy in Northern Ireland.

4. The second phase involved 40 in-depth qualitative interviews based on a non-representative sample of cocaine users aged 18-56 years. The interview focused on respondents’ drug ‘stories’, that is, age of drug initiation, the type and level of their drug consumption (past and present), drug use contexts and their motives for drug use. Historical information was sought on all drugs used over their life. Attempts were also made to establish where cocaine use ‘fits’ with other substance-related behaviour (including alcohol consumption). A summary of the key findings is attached.

5. For the purpose of this study, polydrug use is defined as the use of more than one substance in the same time period.

6. Further information is available from:

Tel: 028 9052 2520

Email:

Internet:

7. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0575, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

8. The authors are available for interview and can be contacted through Anne-Marie Watson at the QUB Press Office on 90975320