Drugs

Substance use disorder or drug addiction is when you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm that they cause. Drug addiction affects the individual’s brain and behaviour.

Even if the individual does not have the money to source the drugs, they will do everything they can to find a way and this will affect their relationships and overall standard of life.

Signs and symptoms - in yourself or someone you know

Memory loss
Mood swings – sudden, can be accompanied by temper
The individual is not interested in his/her appearance
Secrecy about activities
A lot of new friends, might be socialising with a different crowd
Short attention span
Never having money and borrowing money
Stealing from others, such as money
Not making time for others and having a negative effect on relationships
Losing appetite and losing weight
Not wanting to talk to others

Advice

The HSE provide addiction treatment and rehabilitation for someone who is addicted to drugs, focusing on the following:

Early intervention
Treatment
Rehabilitation

As an employee of AGS, you can contact the Inspire 24/7 Helpline at any time on 1800 817 433. The service is free and confidential. You do not need to be “in crisis” to use this service, you can speak to someone about any concern – big or small.

You can contact any of the services/supports in An Garda Síochána including:

Employee Assistance Service on 01 6660390 or employeeassistance@garda.ie

Peer Supporters – a full list of peer supporters is available on the portal or you can contact EAS to ask about Peer Supporters in your area.

Chaplains

Fr. Joe Kennedy and Rev. David Pierpoint have their contact numbers listed on the portal.

Additional information and support