Action Is Needed to Stop Northern Ireland Heroin Epidemic

The author of a new report on the experiences of heroin users in Northern Ireland has warned that her recommendations need to be acted upon to stop "an epidemic of heroin and HIV" emerging there. Dr. Karen McElrath of Queens University, whose report follows a two-year study based on interviews with 43 current or former heroin users, wants to see an increase in access to clean needles, expansion of treatment and support services, and effective outreaches to deal with the heroin problem.

"It is still very difficult to get clean needles here, and we don't have a lot of treatment on hand," McElrath said. "These treatments need to be in place to stop it becoming a heroin and HIV epidemic . . . We have seen HIV spread everywhere."

The vast majority of the 43 users surveyed had injected their heroin at one time, and many did so regularly. The report said that the limited supply of needles and the cost of purchasing them contributed to a number of risk behaviors and other health consequences. Some respondents were unwilling to approach general practitioners or were unwilling to be tested for HIV and other infectious diseases for fear they would be identified as drug users. Other believed the doctors lack knowledge about heroin, addiction and hepatitis C.

David Warwick, who counsels addicts at the Together project in Ballymena, said it was of great concern that the injectors in McElrath's study had engaged in various activities that posed considerable risk for HIV and other infectious diseases. "It's a big risk with dirty needles and sharing needles. We have done some strong pressing for needle exchanges. There is also sexual relationships where HIV can be picked up."

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