Local Science Week event on drug abuse and use

Science Week takes places this November and it includes a wide range of activities facilitated by Midlands Science in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath. As well as a wide range of events for children and teenagers, there is also an extensive programme for the general public exploring everything from the menopause to music. A special event is taking place in Athlone on November 12 exploring the issues associated with drug use and abuse.

Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science explained: “This year we are delighted to welcome Sean Kinsella to Athlone as Sean took part in our festival last year at an event we held in Tullamore about drug use and abuse and it was one of the most powerful events we had in some time in terms of helping people to see in a real way the link between science and society.

"Sean’s lived experience of addiction and recovery is a profound example of linking lived experience with scientific expertise and we are delighted to also have Dr Craig Slattery of UCD’s Conway Institute facilitating this event. If you are interested in the impact of drug use in communities and exploring what solutions to problems caused by such use might be, this is a vital event to attend.”

Dr Craig Slattery commented: “According to the Health Research Board, in 2023 over 13,000 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 over half of these people had been treated 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.

The event is being delivered in partnership with Athlone Drugs Awareness Group and Cllr Frankie Keena, Chairperson of the group commented: “Information is a powerful tool as it empowers us to make decisions and to understand complex issues in a new way. This Science Week event is a powerful demonstration of the impact that sharing information and providing a forum for dialogue can bring to issues such as drug use and abuse. I welcome the opportunity to work on this event with Midlands Science, supported by Research Ireland.

I would encourage all those with an interest in the issue of drug use and abuse, whether as a concerned citizen, a youth worker or social worker and so on to come along. It’s a great opportunity to hear not just about the up to date science on the issue in an engaged way but to hear about the lived experience of addiction and recovery of Sean Kinsella, a very inspiring story indeed.”

Other events in Westmeath this year include events focused on cold water swimming, music, ADHD, swifts and an Exploration Day for schools. A special science map of the midlands is being produced by Midlands Science with Dr Claire O’Connell and will include places and people of interest from each county related to science including a Westmeath man’s role in accurately measuring the temperature of the sun!

The map will be available across the region and is free of charge. Pop-up activities such as events exploring optical illusions will also take place in local shopping centres.