Midlands Science event to explore drug use in Ireland

The Midlands Science Festival will be exploring drug abuse in Ireland at a special event in Tullamore, with a focus on science, society and solutions next month.

With the Citizens Assembly on Drugs Use currently underway in Ireland, this special Science Week event is a timely opportunity to learn more about the scientific and societal issues that drug use raises.

The event will take place in Tullamore Court Hotel on Thursday, November 16 at 7.30pm.

Speakers will include Principal Analyst, Medical Bureau of Road Safety and formerly of the National Drug Treatment Centre, Dr Richard Maguire and Health And Wellness Coach with SK Life Balance, Sean Kinsella. Sean is an expert by experience and he has also undertaken work with the Irish Prison Service. The event will be hosted by leading science communicator and toxicologist Dr Craig Slattery of UCD, on behalf of Midlands Science.

Dr Craig Slattery commented: “According to the Health Research Board, in 2022 over 12,000 people in Ireland were treated for problem-drug-use by the National Drug Treatment Centre. That was the highest annual number of cases ever recorded and almost half of those people had never received treatment before. Cocaine was the most common drug-of-abuse reported, with opioids (primarily heroin) following closely behind. Drug abuse is an issue where science and society meet head-on with profound implications for individuals, families and for society. We hope this event will provide an open and interesting forum for everyone to discuss their views on this vital issue.”

In developing this event, Midlands Science has put a strong focus on both the science of this issue and the lived experience of people. One of the speakers Sean Kinsella is empowering lives through lived experience. With a profound history of overcoming adversity, Sean has emerged as a passionate advocate for personal transformation and growth. Sean’s unique path led him to work closely with individuals in addiction recovery, prison rehabilitation, and homelessness services. His engaging motivational talks have resonated with audiences in youth clubs, prisons, and treatment centres, providing hope and inspiration to those facing their own challenges. His journey of resilience and transformation exemplifies the incredible potential within each of us to rise above life’s obstacles and emerge stronger, happier, and more fulfilled.

All events for the Midlands Science Festival are free but must be booked in advance on www.midlandsscience.ie.