Drug debts are leading to suicides in parts of Dublin amid warnings that increased use of cannabis weed has led to some young people owing thousands of euro.
Dr Bobby Smyth, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in south Dublin said spiralling levels of cannabis use had now led to a growth in drug debts, ultimately leading to suicide in a small number of cases.
Dr Smyth said the most significant change was the usage of cannabis and the associated change in the way it is sold.
He said it was now not uncommon for people to smoke up to €50 worth of cannabis a day — a spend comparable to someone with a heroin addiction.
However, cannabis dealers are allowing clients to build up debts of hundreds of euro, which they then struggle to pay, often leading to the debt increasing while usage continues.
“They are spending the sort of money on cannabis now that we would associate with heroin four or five years ago.
“It means you can end up with debt of a few hundred [euro] and it can build to a few thousand.”
That brings intimidation and threats of physical violence, which Dr Smyth said can cause “huge distress”.
Source: Noel Baker, Irish Examiner, 25/03/13
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