794 people receiving opioid substitute in Cork and Kerry

794 people were receiving opioid-substitution treatment across Cork and Kerry at the end of March.

11,442 people were in receipt of opioid-substitution therapy — or opioid-agonist therapy (OAT) — including 10,601 receiving methadone, and 841 receiving buprenorphine-based products, at the end of 2023, according to HSE figures.

This number had reduced by the end of March to 11,394. This included 794 in CHO 4, which encompasses Cork and Kerry.

A spokesperson for the HSE explained that methadone, or buprenorphine-based products, are used as medications for people who are opioid dependent.

In Ireland, anyone who is in receipt of a prescription for these products must be registered on a Central Treatment List managed by the HSE.

“At the end of 2023 a total of 11,442 individuals were in receipt of OAT, including 10,601 receiving methadone and 841 receiving buprenorphine based products,” the spokesperson said.

“In 2023, 845 people received OAT for the first time for the treatment of opioid dependence, comprising 524 receiving methadone and 321 receiving buprenorphine-based products.”

At the end of March, 11,394 people were receiving OAT nationally.

“The service is delivered nationally through a combination of HSE clinics and Level 1 or Level 2 general practitioners,” the HSE spokesperson said.

“Additional psycho-social supports are provided to individuals on the programmes, either through HSE community-based addiction treatment teams, primary care teams, or through treatment initiatives provided by the local and regional drug-and-alcohol task forces.

“The benefits of OAT are well-established and include reduction of illicit opioid use, reduction in transmission of viral illnesses, such as HIV and hepatitis, reduction in overdose risk, reduction in criminal activity, and enhanced engagement in psychosocial supports once an individual is retained in treatment.

“The treatment allows an individual to stabilise their lifestyle, engage with family members more effectively, and actively consider options in relation to rehabilitation.

“Once stabilised, an individual can avail of takeaway medication, so that they do not have to attend a service on a daily basis to receive their medication.”

Waiting times to access treatment, following assessment, vary around the country, depending on availability of care.

“The HSE are working to address those small number of areas where waiting lists are identified as requiring attention,” they concluded.