Many drug users have problems, other than their addiction, which may arise from upbringing or deprivation, it was stated yesterday at the publication of a book which addresses the need for a holistic approach to recovery.
Beyond Maintenance advocates the need for treatment that would tackle problems and issues underlying or accompanying drug misuse by embracing body, mind and spirit. Its message is that no one person, statutory or voluntary body can successfully address the drugs issue without community support.
The book is a compilation of papers from a drug-treatment seminar last June organised by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference in association with The Irish Times.
At the Mansion House, Dublin, the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, who provided the introduction to the book, presented a copy to the Minister of State for Local Development, Mr Eoin Ryan.
Dr Connell said there was a need to reflect on the deeper causes of drug abuse. People in recovery had often discovered a spiritual core to their being. There was a need for more resources, as people had a right to a response from those who could help.
The Minister said the Government was reviewing the national drugs strategy and hoped there would be a new strategy in place in the autumn.
Dr David Nowlan, managing editor of The Irish Times, said he was glad the seminar papers revealed the many complexities of the drug problems, which all too often were tackled simplistically and unsympathetically in the Irish media and in Irish politics.
Dr Nowlan said drug abuse had hit worst those communities, particularly in Dublin, which had the least investment by the State in the past half a century. "It is time the State paid back that debt to those communities. They need positive discrimination to bring them back up," Dr Nowlan said.
Afterwards, the Minister said he agreed with Dr Nowlan. The Government had already invested £8 million for projects in Ballyfermot and was involved in local development.
Bishop Eamonn Walsh, who edited the book, said the call for a holistic and community approach was coming from the communities themselves.
The book is published by Veritas, price £5.99.