Alcohol-abuse treatment figures highest in over a decade, study finds
According to the
Health Research Board
(HRB), 8,745 cases were recorded in 2024, where a case refers to a treatment episode and not one person. This means the same person could be counted more than once in a calendar year.
Nearly one in three cases had a problem with other drugs as well as alcohol.
Forty-four per cent of those treated were new cases.
Cocaine was the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol at 71 per cent, a marked increase from 42 per cent in 2017.
On the increase of alcohol and cocaine being used together, HRB senior researcher Dr Suzi Lyons said this is 'a real concern'.
'Mixing substances complicates treatment, can hinder recovery and can also be dangerous,' Dr Lyons said.
The mixture 'increases toxicity to big organs', putting users at greater risk of stroke, heart attack, liver damage, violent behaviour, suicidal thoughts and sudden death, she added.
In 2024, polydrug use was reported by almost one-third of alcohol treatment cases. Polydrug use is the use of more than one drug or type of drug by an individual either at the same time or sequentially.
After cocaine (71 per cent), the most common drugs used alongside alcohol were cannabis at 49 per cent, benzodiazepines at 18 per cent and opioids at 10 per cent.
The proportion of alcohol-dependent treatment cases, decreased from 72 per cent in 2017 to 56 per cent last year. Dependent drinking involves a cluster of behavioural, cognitive and physiological symptoms. Typically, it includes a strong desire to consume alcohol, impaired control over its use and a higher priority given to drinking than to other activities and obligations.
Since 2017, one in two of those who consumed alcohol in the 30 days before treatment drank daily according to the HRB.
The median age of alcohol treatment cases is 43 years old, and the majority are male, at 60 per cent. The median age at which individuals began drinking was 16 years old.
The study found both men and women drink more in a typical day than is recommended in a week. Almost half are unemployed, and 8 per cent are homeless.
Since 2017, among those who consumed alcohol in the 30 days before treatment, one in two drank daily during this time.
Coinciding with the report's findings, Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor announced a €1.8 million investment in alcohol-treatment services for 2026.
The investment, which sees a rise from the €1 million allocated in 2025, will create 22 new posts for community alcohol services nationwide.
Two new community services will be established in the Health Service Executive (HSE) Dublin and midlands and HSE Dublin and southeast regions.
The funding will also facilitate the expansion of services in the HSE Dublin and northeast and HSE west and northwest regions.
The HRB is the lead funding body for health research in Ireland.
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