John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

Experts say that crystal meths is one of the most addictive street drugs and one of the hardest to treat. Therefore, it is a serious concern. As Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, it is regarded in the US as one of the more common hard core drugs. With regard to its effects, it is seen as a euphoric sex and dance culture drug, but has significant adverse consequences. It can lead to paranoia, kidney failure, violence, internal bleeding and less inhibited sexual behaviour. There are also risks attached to injecting and so forth. While a number of cases have come forward for treatment here, and there is anecdotal evidence of some cases, the use of drug is still low and hopefully will remain low. There have only been two significant seizures, one in the south and the six kilos in the midlands. There are many more drugs that are far more prevalent here and crystal meths is only showing on the horizon. However, the side effects are very serious and the treatment is very difficult and problematic.

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