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Irish Post
31-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Alcohol treatment cases reach highest levels in a decade as drug use surges in Ireland
THE NUMBER of people seeking help for alcohol-related issues in Ireland has hit a 10-year high, with a significant rise in those also using cocaine, according to newly released data. Over 8,700 cases of alcohol misuse were reported in the most recent year—a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The figures come from the Health Research Board's (HRB) latest National Drug Treatment Reporting System report. Each 'case' refers to a treatment episode, meaning one person could account for more than one case if treated multiple times. More than half of those treated had received help previously, while 44% were new to treatment services. Alarmingly, the number of people combining cocaine with alcohol has tripled since 2017—jumping from just over 600 cases to more than 1,800 in the past year. This reflects a 200% increase in just six years. While the total number of alcohol-related treatment cases has grown, the share of those classified as alcohol-dependent has dropped—from 72% in 2017 to 56% last year. Alcohol dependence is characterised by persistent and compulsive drinking behaviour despite serious health or social consequences. Dr. Suzi Lyons, a senior researcher at the HRB, welcomed the decrease in dependence rates as a sign that more individuals are getting help earlier, before reaching more severe stages of addiction. 'This shift means more people are entering treatment before their alcohol use escalates to dependency,' she explained. 'Early intervention tends to result in better recovery outcomes.' About one-third of those treated for alcohol issues last year also had problems with other substances. Cocaine was the most frequent companion drug, involved in 71% of these dual-substance cases—a sharp rise from 42% in 2017. Dr. Lyons expressed concern about the growing trend of polydrug use, especially the combination of alcohol and cocaine, which she described as a 'significant health risk.' 'Combining these substances increases toxicity and raises the chances of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, liver damage, aggressive behaviour, suicidal thoughts, and even sudden death,' she warned. Aside from cocaine, cannabis (49%), benzodiazepines (18%), and opioids (10%) were also commonly used alongside alcohol. The median age of those entering alcohol treatment was 43, and 60% were male. Many individuals reported drinking amounts in a single day that exceeded the recommended weekly limit. Nearly half were unemployed, and around 8% were homeless. Among those who drank in the 30 days prior to treatment, about half reported daily use. The average age at which individuals began drinking was 16. Dr. Mairéad O'Driscoll, CEO of the HRB, said alcohol remains the most common substance for which people seek treatment in Ireland, and the number continues to climb. She also noted the ongoing surge in cocaine use among alcohol users. In response to growing demand, Minister of State for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor is set to announce a boost in funding for alcohol treatment programs. This year, €1 million will be invested, increasing to €1.8 million in 2026. The funding will support the hiring of 22 new staff across the HSE's six health regions. Minister Murnane O'Connor emphasised the public health implications of the data: 'This report highlights the widespread impact of harmful drinking patterns and the importance of reducing alcohol use across society.' She also acknowledged the often overlooked harm to families: 'We must also address the hidden damage experienced by children living with adults who struggle with alcohol.' Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) responded to the findings by calling for better support for children impacted by parental drinking. According to AAI, two-thirds of women undergoing alcohol treatment are mothers living with at least one child. AAI Chair Sheila Gilheany described children affected by parental alcohol misuse as 'invisible victims' of addiction. 'This report makes clear the scale of the issue, with nearly half of all people in alcohol treatment living with children,' she said. 'In Ireland, one in three children lives in a home where a parent regularly binge drinks or is dependent on alcohol.'
Irish Independent
31-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Alcohol treatment cases at the highest level in ten years
There were more than 8,700 cases of problematic alcohol use last year – a 7pc increase on 2023, according to the National Drug Treatment Reporting System report by the Health Research Board (HRB). The terminology 'cases' includes people who were treated more than once in a single year. Of those cases, more than half had been previously treated, while 44pc were new cases. The number of cases involving cocaine use alongside alcohol has trebled since 2017 – marking a 200pc increase from 607 cases to more than 1,800 last year.
Irish Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cocaine the problem drug in almost two fifths of Irish cases needing treatment
Cocaine was the main drug in almost 40 per cent of cases of treatment for problem drug use, according to a report. There was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. The data published on Wednesday in the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows an upward trend in treatment cases, up 50 per cent since the National Drugs Strategy began in 2017. The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with and without children, and those who are unemployed as well those with jobs. There was an increase of 7.4 per cent in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug, now accounting for 39.8 per cent of all cases. There was also an increase of 21 per cent in the number of cases where benzodiazepines were the main drug, up to 13.4 per cent of all cases. There was an increase of 4.1 per cent in polydrug use, up to 60 per cent of all cases. There was also a decrease in the number of cases where opioids were the main drug, down to 25 per cent of all cases. The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said "This report provides clear evidence of the importance of a health-led approach to drug use. "We have to face up to the wide prevalence of problem drug use across society and provide appropriate services to meet the health and social needs of the diverse population groups who use drugs."
The Journal
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Cocaine the main drug in almost 40% of addiction treatment cases last year
COCAINE WAS THE main drug in almost 40% of cases of treatment for problem drug use last year, according to a report by the Health Research Board (HRB). There was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. The data published in the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the HRB shows an upward trend in treatment cases, up 50% since the National Drugs Strategy began in 2017. The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with and without children, and those who are unemployed as well those with jobs. There was an increase of 7.4% in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug, now accounting for 39.8% of all cases. There was also an increase of 21% in the number of cases where benzodiazepines were the main drug, up to 13.4% of all cases. Advertisement There was an increase of 4.1% in people using more than one drug at the same time, up to 60% of all cases. There was also a decrease in the number of cases where opioids were the main drug, down to 25% of all cases. Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said, 'This report provides clear evidence of the importance of a health-led approach to drug use. 'We have to face up to the wide prevalence of problem drug use across society and provide appropriate services to meet the health and social needs of the diverse population groups who use drugs.' The government's approach to drug use became a contentious political issue in the last general election campaign. Fine Gael leader Simon Harris criticised Fianna Fáil's proposal to decriminalise personal drug use, despite the findings of a cross-party citizen's assembly on the issue and Fine Gael's own record on drugs. With reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Cocaine the problem drug in almost two fifths of cases needing treatment
There was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. The data published on Wednesday in the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows an upward trend in treatment cases, up 50% since the National Drugs Strategy began in 2017. The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with and without children, and those who are unemployed as well those with jobs. There was an increase of 7.4% in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug, now accounting for 39.8% of all cases. There was also an increase of 21% in the number of cases where benzodiazepines were the main drug, up to 13.4% of all cases. There was an increase of 4.1% in polydrug use, up to 60% of all cases. There was also a decrease in the number of cases where opioids were the main drug, down to 25% of all cases. The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said 'This report provides clear evidence of the importance of a health-led approach to drug use. 'We have to face up to the wide prevalence of problem drug use across society and provide appropriate services to meet the health and social needs of the diverse population groups who use drugs.'
