Travellers Accessing Addiction Services in Ireland (2007 to 2010): Analysis of Routine Surveillance Data

• NCJ Number: 244579
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2013 Pages: 339-355
• Author(s): Anne Marie Carew; Siobhan Cafferty; Jean Long; Delphine Bellerose; Suzi Lyons
• Date Published: December 2013
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined addiction treatment services among Irish Travelers.

Abstract

By accessing addiction treatment services recorded in routine national drug treatment data, the characteristics of Irish Travelers were analyzed to understand their needs and develop policies to tackle issues faced by this community. The number of Traveler cases accessing services increased by 163 percent between 2007 and 2010. Alcohol and opiates were the most common problem substances reported. Traveler women reported high rates of problem opiate use and risky injecting behaviors, contrary to the perception that problem substance use is a predominantly male issue. This presents a challenge to services to provide targeted, effective services to Travelers with problem substance use. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.