International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

More info

Earlier this year, a number of deaths related to PMA and PMMA were reported in the national press.

The elevated risk associated with PMA/PMMA as compared to MDMA, along with the documented deaths and hospitalisations associated with these drugs has led to the creation of an awareness campaign. The campaign includes harm reduction information in the form of a PMA/PMMA fact sheet, web page, poster and animated video.

More information

Quality Champions Training is a free online training course for drug and alcohol services in Ireland. The course focuses on how services can implement quality standards in the workplace.

More information

Hepatitis C Awareness

Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus.

It can cause inflammation (swelling) and fibrosis (scarring) of the liver tissue and sometimes significant liver damage.

Many people do not realise they have been infected with the virus because they may not have any symptoms, or they may have flu-like symptoms that can easily be mistaken for another illness.

To mark World Hepatitis Day 2014 we have updated our Hep C page to include two new videos: one with Dr Stephen Stewart discussing Hep C testing and treatment; and one with Lawrence Murphy discussing his experiences of living with Hep C.

Go to Hep C page

The 'Dial to Stop Drug Dealing' campaign, which has been in operation since September 2008, provides people with a safe and confidential means to pass on information on drug dealing. Since 2012, the initiative has been operated in partnership with Crimestoppers, which has an excellent track record in acting on confidential information.

This year the poster promoting the campaign has been designed by the winner of the poster category in the “Let’s Talk About Drugs" National Media Awards.

More information

The country’s three largest maternity hospitals have joined with Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, to warn of the damage that can be caused to the unborn child by drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

The dangers of drinking during pregnancy and advice for prospective mothers are outlined in a new information leaflet.

More information

We continued with the recent poll on cigarette packaging.

The question is:

Should the Government introduce plain packaging for cigarettes?

So far we have received 1974 votes. To date, the responses are:

No:846
Yes:862
Don't know: 266

Take the poll now!

You can now follow drugs.ie on Twitter, FaceBook

twitter.com/drugsdotie
facebook.com/Drugs.ie