Report on young people and drugs misuse in the mid Tipperary region: survey analysis and recommendations.

In order to develop an Action Plan the Mid Tipperary Drugs Initiative performed research into the perceived nature and extent of drugs misuse amongst young people and the extent of drugs prevention and education work. Questionnaires were distributed to Schools, Community Groups, Youth Organisations and Statutory Agencies. Interviews were also held with a broad range of groups, the content of the interview depending on which sector the interviewee worked in. It was found that Community groups and Statutory agencies had differing perceptions on the extent and nature of drugs misuse amongst young people. Parents were found to be tolerant of their own use of alcohol, and did not identify it as a drug. Statistics suggest that there was a need for facilities for young people in the region. Drugs awareness was perceived to have the most impact when facilitated by other young people. All participants felt that there is a need for an Addiction Counselling Service