Acceptable drugs aimed at easing modern stress have spawned a new breed of 'respectable' addicts.
A hidden cohort of "respectable" drug addicts has emerged in Ireland in recent years, with growing numbers of men and women seeking treatment for addictions to over-the-counter and prescription drugs designed to treat the stresses of modern life.
Experts say that ordinary people with no history of illegal drug use are becoming addicted to sedatives, tranquillisers and over-the-counter codeine-containing painkillers.
Benzodiazepine - a class of drugs commonly prescribed for insomnia and anxiety - was cited as the main "problem" drug for 719 people who sought treatment in 2013, compared with 547 in 2012 and just 75 in 2005.
Addiction to codeine - an opiate commonly found in over-the-counter painkillers - is also a growing problem.
Dr Colin O'Gara, a psychiatrist and head of St John of God's addiction services, said one-quarter of its clients are addicted to either prescription medicines or codeine-containing tablets.
"There is no one stereotype, no one social demographic. They are young, middle-aged and elderly. The vast majority are not people who use illegal drugs but are people seeking relief from pressures and anxiety," he said.
"Typically we are talking about people who have jobs, who have very stressful lives and they have never touched an illegal drug in their lives....It starts with stress, being unable to sleep, feeling bad all day long, a feeling of general anxiety." Codeine addiction appears to be prevalent amongst women.
Source: Maeve Sheehan, Irish Independent, 17/01/16
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