Cocaine kids shock

KIDS as young as 10 are using cocaine in Dumfries and Galloway, it has been claimed.

Youngsters are dabbling in the highly-addictive class A drug, which has the region’s drugs support workers on high alert.

Lochar councillor Linda Dorward – a member of the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership – spoke about the alarming issue at the recent full council meeting.

Calling for more work on harm prevention and changing behaviours, the former council co-leader said: “I sit on the ADP board (Alcohol and Drugs Partnership), and we know that children as young as 10 are using cocaine in this region, which is appalling.

“No different from other regions, but that’s where we are in terms of substance use amongst our young people.

“So in terms of prevention, what we might want to be doing is looking ahead at how we can change behaviours in our five or 10 year olds – to ensure that they’re not repeating the same behaviours as they are now at 10 and 15.”

Councillor Dorward stressed the importance of changing the approach to managing the behaviour of young people and preventing drug abuse.

She highlighted the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM), which is a community and evidence-based approach to preventing youth substance use by analysing local risk factors and implementing targeted strategies.

It focuses on community-wide collaboration involving parents, schools, and other stakeholders to change the social environment through activities like promoting supervised leisure, strengthening family bonds, and implementing supportive public policies.

This population-wide model has been applied in Iceland since the early 1990s, and has been credited with significant reductions in youth substance use in the country.

Councillors discussed the health and wellbeing of youths after a report was tabled on the council plan for 2023-28. It provided an update on actions taken and progress made concerning the health and wellbeing of Dumfries and Galloway residents.

The report states: “In line with the council plan commitment to prevention, early intervention, and inclusive support, the council has promoted physical and mental wellbeing, tackled poverty and inequality, and supported independent living.

“The expansion of the single access point and the establishment of a standalone adult support and protection team have strengthened safeguarding and access to care.

“The Active Lives Pathway and Active Communities Programme have enabled over 4,000 people to engage in physical activity, improving health outcomes and social connection.”