Serious human rights and equality concerns emerged regarding the lived experience of service users in Dublin’s North-East Inner City. In 2009, drug service users, their representatives, and community activists formed a coalition after concerns were raised about the practice of and over-reliance on urine testing and the lack of information and choice on pathways to health for each service user. A study was conducted1 to identify issues experienced by service users of drug treatment projects and to review the key monitoring points and changes arising from the Health Service Executive (HSE) Action Plan. A great emphasis of this study was on peer-led processes, as the voice of the service user is rarely heard.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) Integrated Alcohol Service (IAS) began operating on North Great Clarence Street, Dublin 1 in 2022, following the growing recognition of and concern regarding widespread problem alcohol use in the area, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The IAS is based on the recommendations outlined in the National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework Document, and provides a coordinated response to address both prevention and the provision of services and support to those who require it.1
