The full horrors of addiction and the services there to help were outlined at a special drugs information meeting organised by Councillors Pio Smith and Paddy McQuillian on Thursday night in conjunction with the Red Door Project.
Among the guest speakers before a large audience was the crime journalist Paul Wlliams.
The meeting heard that cocaine and alcohol are the main drugs of choice both in Drogheda and the country. Most addicts also have mental health issues and some have diagnosed disorders.
It was also revealed that most women who are heroin addicts were sexually abused as a child and that 70pc of prisoners are addicted to drugs.
The Mayor Michelle Hall who was in attendance praised her fellow councillors Pio Smith and Paddy McQuillian for organising it.
She said:” Tonight Pio Smith and Paddy McQuillan held an information night on the drugs trade in Drogheda to a packed room. Statistics and reality from Orla and Louise, human side of how to turn your life around from Kevin, support information on drug intimidation from Inspector Boyle and anecdotes from crime journalism from Paul Williams.
If it was so easy to just say no, but the room was full of people who do help, An Garda Siochana, Louth So Sad, Ged Nash TD, principals, teachers, council staff, Louth Local Development and many others. We have to have hope.
The Mayor praised the Red Door Project firstly for existing in Drogheda and for being there for people seeking help, for expanding their services and for always promoting their success stories.
They are also up for a national award on Saturday for their innovative Homeless Soccer League with Drogheda United FC.
