Over 12,000 cases were treated in 2022 as cocaine was the most common drug problem reported, a Health Research Board (HRB) report has revealed.
One in three were treated for cocaine abuse, followed by opioids - mainly heroin - which were becoming less popular, as well as cannabis and benzodiazepines. Different age groups had different drug problems - most teenagers were treated for cannabis, cocaine was prevalent among the 20-34 age group and opioids among those over 35 years old.
HRB chief Dr Mairead 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. ”
The "considerable" rise in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine 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, according to HRB Research Officer Dr Anne Marie Carew.
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Powder cocaine accounted for almost eight in every 10 treated cocaine cases in 2022, while two in 10 were crack cocaine. For cases with powder cocaine as the main problem drug, nearly eight in ten were male and 40 per cent were employed. Half of the people entering treatment for powder cocaine were 30 years or younger.
Crack cocaine was popular in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Limerick. 40 per cent of the drug users who mainly used crack were women, six in ten were male and less than one in ten were employed.
The majority of those entering treatment were male and unemployed, 14 per cent were homeless, and one in five were employed. 40 per cent of cases in treatment who had children were living with their kids.
It was common for people to be treated for more than one drug addiction as nearly 60 per cent were polydrug users. Cannabis was the most common additional drug (40 per cent), followed by alcohol (36 per cent), cocaine (36 per cent) and benzodiazepines (32 per cent).
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