With drug use on the rise in Galway, Marie Madden speaks to Orla Irwin of the Western Region Drug Task Force about their new campaign and the constant struggle against addiction in the West.

Many people think of drug addiction as something that only takes place in larger cities, but the reality is the that there is a very real drug culture in Galway city and county and it is a phenomenon that is on the increase. While the group most at risk is said to be those between 18 and 35 years old, some Galway teenagers are being pulled into the drugs scene at as early an age as 13.

As drug use and addiction is prevalent across a wide age range, previous awareness campaigns have failed to reach the groups that need it most. This month, the Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) launched a new and innovative three-stand campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and inform people of where they can turn for help.

The first section of the campaign is aimed at the 13 to 17-year-old age range and aims to educate teenagers of the dangers of drugs at an early age. The motto 'Protect Yourself' is at the heart of the message, and according to Orla Irwin, many teenagers are still unaware that "your first drug could be your last".

"We are hoping to open people's eyes to the dangers and make them aware of the facts about drugs, so they don't get caught up in the first place. Teenagers don't seem to understand that one line of coke or one ecstasy tablet could be your last. People assume that what they are getting is clean because its white but this could not be further from the truth."

The Western Region Drugs Task Force was established in 2003 to significantly reduce the harm caused to individuals and communities by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on Supply Reduction, Treatment, Rehabilitation, Prevention/Education and Research. Over the next year, the WRDTF will meet with communities and groups to identify areas where they can prioritise needs under the new strategic framework plan for the 2010 to 2013 period. However at present, they are focusing on getting people to 'know the facts' in relation to drugs.

Drug use is becoming more and more common among the 18 to 25-age range, with media coverage and high-profile celebrities tending to 'glamorise' the use of recreational drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy. One of the most common drugs used by this age bracket is cannabis, which is often regarded as less dangerous and illegal than many of its counterparts. However, many users are not aware that one minor drugs conviction for possession of cannabis could put an end to any ambitious holiday plans.

"Cannabis use is widespread among this age group and people don't realise the implications if they are caught with the drug. People don't think twice about taking one or two E's at a concert, but even a minor conviction for drug possession could stop you from being granted a visa to go to the States or to Australia.

"Also, background checks are becoming more and more common for jobs in this country as well as abroad and, if you have a criminal record, then that can seriously affect your chances," Orla adds.