The number of people being treated for drug problems reached a record high last year, according to new figures from the Health Research Board (HRB).
It shows there were 13,295 cases in 2024, an increase of almost 200 on the previous year.
According to the HRB’s report, excluding alcohol, cocaine remains Ireland’s most common drug for treatment, accounting for 40%.
The number of women receiving treatment for cocaine use has increased four fold over the last eight years – from 284 cases in 2017 to just under 1,500 cases last year.
The report also shows cocaine is the main drug problem for almost half of cases who are new to treatment.
The figures, the board says, show how prevalent cocaine use has become.
The HRB also found that opioids, mainly heroin, were the second-most common drug people sought treatment for – although the number seeking treatment fell for the second consecutive year.
The third most common drug was cannabis.
Commenting on the findings, Senior Researcher at the HRB Dr Suzi Lyons, said the rise in previously treated cocaine cases indicates its sustained use.
The report also found that in 2024, cannabis was the main problem drug for cases aged 19 years or under; cocaine was the main problem drug for cases aged 20-44 years; and opioids were the main problem drugs for cases aged 45 years or over.
It says this highlights an aging cohort of opioid users continuing to require treatment.
