Open Drug Scenes and Drug-Related Public Nuisance: A Visual Rapid Assessment Research Study in Dublin, Ireland

• NCJ Number: 244209
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2013 Pages: 154-178
• Author(s): Marie Claire Van Hout; Tim Bingham
• Date Published: June 2013
• Length: 25 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The research was undertaken at a time of increasing public concerns for drug- and alcohol-related public nuisance in the city center of Dublin, Ireland.

Abstract

The research was undertaken at a time of increasing public concerns for drug- and alcohol-related public nuisance in the city center of Dublin, Ireland. Rapid Assessment Research was conducted involving qualitative interviewing with drug service users; business, transport, community, voluntary, and statutory stakeholders (n = 61); and an environmental mapping exercise. The interplay between homelessness, loitering, an influx of drug users via city metro systems, transient open drug scenes, street drinking, drug injecting, intimidation, knife crime, and prescribed medication abuse was evident. Potential strategies to address drug and alcohol related public nuisance are advised to include the relocation of treatment services, targeted harm reduction initiatives, urban regeneration, improved community rehabilitation pathways, and heightened policing intensity. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.