The deadline for the EU Web Survey on Drugs has now been extended – so you can have your say until 13 May.

Targeted at those aged 18 and over, who have used drugs in the last twelve months, the anonymous survey asks people about the types of drugs taken and how and why they use them. It will provide valuable insight into drug use patterns and the diverse groups in Ireland who use drugs.

“We’ve always looked to the UK for their studies on drug trends and certain populations such as among nightlife cohorts, but the data from this survey will give us valuable data on the patterns of drug use in Ireland,” says Nicki Killeen from the HSE National Social Inclusion Office. “We’re getting lots of input from people who often don’t feature in research because they’re not receiving treatment and it should also give us insight into what ways Covid has impacted on recreational drug use.”

There are two areas of the EU Web Survey on Drugs, which are specific to Ireland.

“One is on nitrous oxide, which gained quite a bit of attention in the media,” Nicki explains. “We want to determine whether this is a lasting trend and how many people are using it, why and where. The other is psilocybin mushrooms. There’s been discussion regarding it in other countries; now we want to find out how prevalent its use is in Ireland and for what reasons people are taking it. Are they microdosing and if so, again, why? This is going to give us some unique insights into areas that haven’t been touched on before.”

The final results of the survey – which has been running since mid March – will be shared during the summer.

Share your experiences and take part HERE.

For information and support relating to your own or someone else’s drug use, go to http://drugs.ie or Freephone the HSE Helpline on 1800 459 459, which is open Monday-Friday from 9.30am-5.30pm. You can also email [email protected].