A stark warning from a father-of-three whose cocaine-addicted son died by suicide this month should be heard far and wide.
In a heartbreaking plea, Tom McGrath urged other young people not to use drugs: “Do not go down that road or you are going to end up like Matthew, full stop.”
Matthew, an engineer, was 22. He had been gripped by addiction for years.
“I would have said, ‘Matthew, can you not kick that [habit], stop that?’, and he was in tears, streaming down his face, saying, ‘I can’t, I wish I could but I can’t’,” said the Co Armagh man.
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The trauma and tragedy of addiction is fuelled by gangs who not only deal drugs but also bring debt, violence and fear to individuals, their families and communities.
“You are handing money to what I call criminals who are only taking advantage of you,” as Mr McGrath put it.
Canon Colm McBride, who celebrated Requiem Mass for Matthew, told mourners “there are those who are culpable in his death... those who make their living plying drugs”.
A gang known as The Firm has gained notoriety for its activities in the north Armagh area, including its links to murder and drug-related deaths.
Loyalist paramilitaries are particularly active in the sordid trade. It is enormously positive that already this year 14 people linked to the East Belfast UVF have been convicted following an investigation into drug dealing.
I would have said, ‘Matthew, can you not kick that [habit], stop that?’, and he was in tears, streaming down his face, saying, ‘I can’t, I wish I could but I can’t’
There needs to be a relentless focus from the police and justice system on cutting off the drugs supply and prosecuting those responsible for peddling misery and death.
That is not enough, however. More education about the dangers of drug use is clearly essential. Community groups and voluntary services working in addictions need to be properly trained, funded and supported.
The Department of Health has a substance use strategy which runs to 2031; it is vital that the new executive commits to fully resourcing the health and social care professionals engaged in this life-saving and life-changing work.
Figures published last month by Nisra showed that the number of drug-related deaths had almost doubled over the past 10 years, with a peak of 218 recorded in 2020.
Behind those numbers are individuals like Matthew McGrath, each with their own personal tragedy of addiction, each leaving behind an empty chair and broken hearts. Let’s all do more to tackle the downward spiral of drugs and addiction.
