By its very nature, cocaine use is difficult to quantify. However, a range of indicators points to a steep upward curve in its consumption across a range of ages and class groups. Increased availability, lower prices and greater affluence mean cocaine is fast becoming the recreational drug of choice for many younger people across the socio-economic divide.
The number of cocaine-related offences recorded by the Garda increased four-fold between 2002 and 2005, up from 297 to 1,224. The number of people seeking support from health authorities in dealing with problem use of cocaine rose ten-fold in recent years, from 48 in 1999 to 482 in 2005. What is most worrying, however, is the spate of cocaine-related deaths which has come before coroners' courts in recent weeks. In one day alone, earlier this month, the Dublin county coroner dealt with five deaths linked to cocaine.
These cases highlight the very real dangers of a drug synonymous with the world of entertainment and celebrity. Much of the danger lies in this glamorous public perception of the drug, which many continue to see as a safe recreational tool with few long-lasting side effects. But, as recent deaths graphically demonstrate, cocaine is a potentially lethal drug which can kill when taken even in small doses. Research shows that relatively modest amounts can affect heart rhythms, leading to heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes and seizure. The toxic effects are heightened further when combined with alcohol.
Assistant State Pathologist Margaret Bolster has likened cocaine use to a form of "Russian roulette". It is perfectly possible, she says, for a person to take a specific dose one day and to be fine, and then to die from the same dose the next day. It is, doubtful, however, if users - the majority of whom are aged between 15 and 34 - are sufficiently aware of the risks posed by the drug.
Against this background, the recent deaths underline an urgent need to embark on a targeted information campaign which highlights the risks in a credible way. It may prove difficult to get the message through to a generation which may be weary of public health initiatives highlighting the dangers of alcohol and tobacco use. But this only emphasises the need to embark on a targeted awareness drive that is both credible and non-patronising.
Recommendations contained in a recent report by the Government's National Advisory Committee on Drugs must be implemented speedily also. These include adapting and developing drug treatment services - geared mainly towards heroin users - to meet the needs of people who use cocaine. Likewise, service providers in statutory, community and voluntary sectors must identify and meet the training needs of frontline staff to enable them to respond to cocaine use.
Without meaningful action of this kind, it is certain the grim roll-call of cocaine-related deaths at coroners' courts will continue.