30-07-2025
Over 8,000 treatment cases for problem alcohol use in 2024
There were 8,745 treatment cases for problem alcohol use in Ireland last year according to the Health Research Board (HRB).
It is the highest figure for alcohol treatment in over ten years according to the primary health and social care research funding agency.
In 2024, nearly one in three cases had a problem with other drugs as well as alcohol.
Cocaine was the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol at 71%
The proportion reporting cocaine as an additional drug increased from 42% in 2017 to 71% in 2024.
Since 2017, one in two of those who consumed alcohol in the 30 days prior to treatment, drank daily according to the HRB.
However, the figures also show that between 2017 and 2024, the proportion of alcohol dependent treatment cases decreased from 72% to 56%
While the latest report shows the highest number of cases recorded in Ireland's alcohol treatment figures in a decade, the decrease in dependent drinkers seeking treatment is positive according to Senior HRB Researcher Dr Suzi Lyons.
"This is because we now know that more people are accessing treatment before they become alcohol dependent, which leads to better recovery and outcomes," she said.
The median age of alcohol treatment cases is 43 years old, and the majority (60%) are male.
Both men and women drink more in a typical day than is recommended in a week. Almost half are unemployed, and 8% are homeless.
The report says two out of three women in treatment are living with at least one child.
Alcohol Action Ireland - the national independent advocate to reduce alcohol harm - has said children are the invisible victims of alcohol harm.
It has reiterated its call for the implementation of Operation Encompass, an early information sharing partnership between gardaí and schools in instances of domestic violence.
In 2024, polydrug use was reported by almost one third of alcohol treatment cases.
After cocaine (71%) , the most common additional drugs used alongside alcohol were cannabis at 49%; benzodiazepines at 18%; and opioids at 10%.
Earlier this week, the rehabilitation facility, the Rutland Centre, said women represented one of the fastest growing groups seeking treatment for cocaine and there had been "a surge" in complex, multi-addiction cases last year.
