Rutland Centre reports significant increase in cocaine and gambling addictions

Kenneth Fox

The Rutland Centre, one of Ireland's foremost addiction treatment centres, reported a rise in cocaine and gambling additions in their annual report.

The addiction centre, based in Knocklyon Dublin 16, recorded 5,213 bed nights in 2023, the highest on record for the centre, which demonstrates the increasing need for comprehensive addiction treatment and support services in the community.

The Rutland Centre saw over 16 per cent of its service users seeking help for cocaine addiction, mirroring national trends of increased cocaine use, as reported by the Health Research Board.

Among service users with multiple addictions, 46 per cent identified cocaine as their second drug of choice. Addressing this, a dedicated resource for cocaine addiction is a key objective for the Rutland Centre.

In 2023, 20 per cent of the Rutland’s outpatient admissions were for gambling addiction.

The centre has successfully treated gambling addiction on an outpatient basis, which aligns with the NDS objective of minimal intervention and suits individuals with commitments like childcare and work.

They said a key objective 2025 is to introduce a gambling-specific outpatient program to address this growing need.

Alcohol remains the predominant addiction at the centre, with presentations consistently high.

A total 65 per cent of in-patient clients sought help for alcohol addiction underscoring the critical need for targeted interventions and support for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

The report underscores a dramatic surge in the complexity of addiction cases, with 62 per cent of individuals now presenting with multiple addictions, a significant increase from 48 per cent in 2022.

Notably, there has been a sharp rise in poly-addiction cases, with 20 per cent of individuals struggling with three or more substances or behaviours. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive and multifaceted treatment approaches.

Speaking about the report, chief exectuive, Maebh Mullany said, "In 2023, we continued to see a rise in the complexity of addiction cases, with many individuals presenting with multiple addictions.

"We look forward to further expanding our service offerings, with plans to introduce a detox facility and expand outpatient programs.

"Our unique medallion ceremonies, honouring those who have achieved recovery milestones and commitment to sobriety, were reinstated post-pandemic and really showcase the profound impact of our comprehensive support programs. We look forward to this year’s ceremony taking place in September.”