The number of people seeking treatment for cocaine addiction in Ireland has trebled since 2015.
The latest figures from the Health Research Board shows that 10,769 cases were treated for problem drug use in 2021.
The HRB report revealed that there was more cocaine (3,248) than heroin (3,168) cases among those treated for drugs as a main problem.
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Cocaine was the most common main drug in new cases in 2021.
HRB chief executive Mairead O’Driscoll said: “This year’s drug treatment figures bring into sharp focus the growing prevalence of cocaine as a problem drug in Irish society.
“By providing timely data the HRB can deliver important insights into trends in drug treatment that can inform policy and practice in relation to supporting treatment approaches as well as addressing risk factors and prevention.”
Dr Suzi Lyons, senior researcher at the HRB, added: “We are observing a sustained increase in cocaine treatment year on year.
“In 2019 we saw cocaine overtake cannabis as the main problem drug; this year the numbers reported as seeking treatment for cocaine exceed those for heroin, which may mark a tipping point in Irish addiction trends.
“While we are seeing a decrease in the proportion of cocaine cases taking more than one drug, almost two-thirds are mixing cocaine with other drugs.
"This is a concern as mixing drugs can impact recovery and increase risk of overdose.”
Drugs.ie have listed the damaging effects of regular cocaine abuse:
Short-term effects
Effects of cocaine start quickly but only last for up to 30 minutes
You may feel more alert, energetic and confident
Your heart and pulse rate speed up suddenly
Hyperactivity, dilated pupils, dry mouth, sweating and loss of appetite
Higher doses can make you feel very anxious and panicky
Increased sex drive
Long-term effects
Tightness in chest, insomnia, exhaustion and unable to relax
Dry mouth, sweating, mood swings and loss of appetite
You may become aggressive or even violent
You may feel depressed
Damage to nose tissue
Digestive disorders, dehydration and anorexia
Kidney damage
If you use it often you may lose your sex drive
Anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations, if you use a lot
Weight loss
Other dangers
Overdose can cause epileptic fit, stroke, breathing problems and heart attack
Damage to veins if you inject
Risk of HIV and hepatitis if you share needles
When you mix cocaine with alcohol it can increase the risks of damage to the heart or heart attack
Extremely dangerous if you inject it with heroin, known as a ‘speedball’
Increased sex drive can lead to unsafe sex, with the risk of unwanted pregnancy, STIs or HIV
Debt – cocaine is an expensive habit
Withdrawal
You may feel tired, panicky, exhausted and unable to sleep, which can cause you extreme emotional and physical distress.
This can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, shakes, insomnia and sweating. You may also suffer from anorexia and depression.
How long does it stay in your system?
Cocaine can stay in the body for up to two to four days.
What help is available?
Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Support from your doctor to withdraw or keep off coke
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
The Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459
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