A local Drugs Task Force Worker says drug users are never alone with their addiction and can receive support through rehabilitation and counseling.
Emmet Major is making the remarks after a global study found one in forty people here have used cocaine in the last year.
According to the UN report, the levels of violence and intimidation in communities have risen because of it.
The Western Region Drugs Task Force member believes caring for someone who uses drugs in a problematic way can be quite stressful.
He says support programs are available to help families and loved ones in coping with such difficult situations:
'We also have a very good service out here called family support and that's a service for the concerned family relative as this might be their son, daughter, mum, dad who is addicted.
You can avail of this service if you want to know how to seek a bit of help for yourself or how to intervene to help with a loved one.
It is probably the best way because we have a number of family support workers in Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon.'
