FAQ's

Is there a national drugs helpline?
Yes - The Drugs / HIV Helpline - 1800 459 459

What does the RDTF stand for?
RDTF is an abbreviation for the North Dublin City & County Regional Drugs Task Force.

What is the RDTF?
The RDTF is funded by the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to co-ordinate the response to substance mis-use in Dublin’s North City and County. This is achieved through a partnership approach, whereby a several committees meet regularly with representatives from statutory agencies, voluntary and community sectors. See ‘About Us’ for more information.

How can I get involved with the RDTF?
The RDTF ethos is that of a grassroots approach; therefore community involvement is fundamental to the RDTF. If you, or someone you know would be interested in representing your community on the RDTF Committee or sub-committees, please contact the RDTF and we’d be happy to discuss your involvement.

If you are actively involved with drug prevention or education, then you can link in with the network in Swords.

For more information on how to get involved, or to hear more information about the RDTF generally, please call us on 01 813 1786. Alternatively, you can call into us. To find directions, see ‘Contact Us’.

How do I contact the RDTF?
The offices are located at 7 Forrest Mews, Forest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01 813 1786 or at email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What is the National Drugs Strategy?
Ireland's National Drugs Strategy was developed with the co-operation and input of various state agencies and voluntary and community groups working in drug-affected areas throughout the country. Some of these state agencies include the Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Siochána, VEC, the prison service, local authorities and Government departments. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has overall responsibility for the management of the National Drugs Strategy in Ireland, but there are a number of other Government departments and state bodies involved in its operation. Five areas were pinpointed in the Strategy as being "crucial" in any attempt to address the problem:
•    Reduction in the supply of drugs
•    Prevention of drug use (including education and awareness)
•    Treatment (including harm reduction)
•    Rehabilitation
•    Research

Are all drugs addictive?

It depends on what is meant by addiction.

Psychological Dependency can happen with any drug (or anything else for that matter).  This means that the person using drugs feels they cannot cope or face the world unless they are under the influence of drugs.  This form of dependency has more to do with the people using the drug rather than about the particular drug they are taking.

In contrast people can only become physically dependent on certain drugs.

Physical Dependency results from the repeated, heavy use of drugs like heroin, tranquillisers and even alcohol.  Heavy and continual use of these drugs can change the body chemistry so that if someone does not get a repeat dose they suffer physical withdrawal symptoms - the shakes, flu like effcts.  they have ti keep taking the drug just to stop themselves from feeling ill.

An interesting fact is that continual use of drugs like cannabis, ecstasy and LSD does not result in physical dependency, even though people may become psychologically dependent.  With other drugs - and particulary stimulant drugs such as cocaine, crack, amphetamine and the nicotine in cigarettes - there is debate over the extent that physical dependence can occur.

What are the most commonly used drugs?

The most commonly used mood altering drug used in Ireland is caffeine - contained in tea, coffee, many soft drinks, some confectioners and is also included in many medicines and available in over-the-counter stimulant preparations.  Apart from medicines in general the next most commonly used drug is alcohol, followed by the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco based products.

When it comes to illegal and other socially unacceptable drugs on the menu, the drugs that are most likely tried compared with those that are least liekly tried are as follows:

• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Amphetamine
• Nitrities/poppers
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• Magic mushrooms
• Solvents (aerosols, gases and glues)
• Minor tranquillisers (not prescribed)
• Heroin and cracj cocaine

This list is subject to change with different trends.