Mayo Coroner describes drug use as 'a pandemic'

The supply and use - particularly amongst the 16 to 38 age cohort - has been described as ‘a pandemic’ by the Coroner of Mayo.

Mr. Patrick O’Connor used the adjective - normally used to describe worldwide disease epidemics - at the conclusion of an inquest into the death of a woman who died in the county from a combined drug overdose.

After returning the verdict of misadventure, the coroner described drug dependency as “one of the curses of modern society,” particularly amongst the younger age group.

Mr. O’Connor continued: “The whole question of the supply and use of drugs particularly amongst those between the ages of 16 and 38 is becoming a pandemic."

The coroner went on to say that drug use is rife in every corner of Ireland, not just in the big cities.

In conclusion, Mr. O’Connor called on the State to continue to develop and create help and support for young people who are drug dependent and asked that the health services are fully funded in order to do so.