The number of individuals receiving treatment for drug-related issues reached a record level in 2024, according to new data released by the Health Research Board (HRB), reports RTE.
A total of 13,295 cases were reported last year, marking an increase of nearly 200 compared to 2023.
The HRB’s latest report reveals that, excluding alcohol, cocaine remains the most commonly reported drug among those receiving treatment, accounting for 40% of all cases, reports RTE.
Notably, the number of women seeking treatment for cocaine use has surged dramatically—rising from 284 in 2017 to almost 1,500 in 2024, representing a four-fold increase over eight years.
Cocaine is also identified as the primary drug issue for nearly half of all individuals new to treatment, underscoring its widespread use, reports RTE.
Opioids—mainly heroin—were the second most common substance people sought treatment for, although the number of opioid-related cases has declined for the second year running.
Cannabis ranked as the third most frequently reported drug, reports RTE.
HRB Senior Researcher Dr Suzi Lyons commented that the continued increase in cases involving repeat cocaine users points to the drug’s persistent use.
The report further outlines age-specific trends: cannabis was the most common drug among those aged 19 and under; cocaine was most prevalent among individuals aged 20 to 44; and opioids were the dominant drug among those aged 45 and older.
This, the HRB notes, reflects an aging population of opioid users who continue to require support and treatment services, reports RTE.
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