A Health Research Board (HRB) report into drug treatment demand has found that 12,009 cases were treated for problem drug use in 2022.
Almost four in ten of those cases were never treated before.
Cocaine was the most common drug reported, accounting for one in three cases.
This was followed by opioids (mainly heroin). Cannabis was the third most common drug reported, followed by benzodiazepines.
Commenting on the key findings in the report, HRB Chief Executive, Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, said: “Our latest data provides insights into the patterns observed in drug treatment.
“Like last year, we are seeing an increase in cocaine as a problem drug. This year, it has surpassed opioids.
“The data we have collated will support practices in relation to treatment as well as underpinning action on preventative measures.”
Dr Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at the HRB, said: “There has been a considerable rise in the number seeking treatment for cocaine use in recent years.
“This is the result of the rise in use of cocaine as well as an increase in the provision of specific services to treat cocaine use.”
Findings in relation to cases presenting for drug treatment reported by the HRB include:
- Cocaine use was most prevalent in 20-34 year olds, with opioids abuse affecting more people over the age of 35.
- 72% cases were male.
- 59% cases were recorded as unemployed, 22% cases in paid employment,
- Of those with children aged 17 years or younger, 40% cases treated for problem drug use were residing with children.
- For cases with powder cocaine as the main problem drug, nearly eight in ten were male and four in ten were employed.
- Half of cases entering treatment for powder cocaine were 30 years or younger.
- Where crack cocaine was the main problem drug, four in ten were female and less than one in ten were employed
- Half of the cases entering treatment for crack cocaine were 39 years or younger
- Polydrug use (problem use of more than one drug) was common and was reported by over half of cases (57%)
- Cannabis (40%) was the most common additional drug, followed by alcohol (36%) and benzodiazepines (32%).
- From 2016 to 2022, the proportion of treatment demand attributable to opioids has decreased year-on-year.
- There was a 259% increase in the number of cases where cocaine was the main problem drug in the same period.
SEE ALSO – Jack Chambers: ‘We’re ambitious to grow our councillor numbers in Laois’
