Member's statement: Drug and Substance Abuse

Member's statement by Mr Daniel McCrossan on 21 May 2024.

MLA

Mr Daniel McCrossan

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

21 May 2024

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

Drug and Substance Abuse

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4491401

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I would like to shine a light on a critical issue plaguing communities across Northern Ireland: the devastating impact of drugs on families and young people. The scourge of drug abuse not only affects the individual but ripples out, affecting families, friends and communities in each of our constituencies. For many families, the nightmare of drug addiction is a harsh reality. Parents watch helplessly as their children and young people spiral into the dark abyss of substance abuse that tears families apart and leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. The emotional and psychological toll on families is immeasurable as they grapple with feelings of guilt, sometimes shame, fear, despair and just dread of what lies ahead. Young people with their future ahead of them are particularly vulnerable to the lure of drugs. The seductive promise of escape and euphoria can lead them down a path of addiction, robbing them of their potential and their ambitions. We lose countless lives to this terrible situation. It happens too often, and the number is rising each year in Northern Ireland. Young people, instead of realising their dreams, find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependency with repercussions that extend far beyond them. Our communities bear witness to the social decay caused by drug and substance abuse and to the struggle of young people, with some getting into trouble with the criminal justice system. The healthcare system is under serious strain as a result of addiction-related illnesses, and, to be honest, there are not the facilities or services to meet the needs of those in desperate need. Families, towns and schools often — too often — mourn the loss of promising young talent to drug abuse. The fabric of our society is torn by drug abuse, leaving scars that will take generations to heal.

However, all is not lost. In Strabane and Omagh, we have seen the loss of countless young people's lives over the past number of years. We have seen devastation. I have attended the funerals, and I have helped and supported the families. Last year, the death of young Rory Carlin in Strabane shone a bright light on the serious challenge that exists in our community. His family, in the face of adversity, came out and called for greater awareness, support and services for the young people across our communities who are battling with drug and substance abuse or addiction. The need for that support is desperate. Inside a year, they have raised almost £100,000, which will go towards supporting young people who are struggling and, hopefully, enhancing services. The House and the Minister — he is here and is aware of the issue — need to do more to support young people. We need services in place to support those in need. We need respite services to support those in need, and we need an intervention immediately.

479 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 10:31 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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