Cocaine problem drug in almost two fifths of cases needing treatment

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Cocaine was the main drug in almost 40 per cent of cases of treatment for problem drug use, according to a new report.

There was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024.

The data published on Wednesday in the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows an upward trend in treatment cases, up 50 per cent since the National Drugs Strategy began in 2017.

The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with and without children, and those who are unemployed as well those with jobs.

There was an increase of 7.4 per cent in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug, now accounting for 39.8 per cent of all cases.

There was also an increase of 21 per cent in the number of cases where benzodiazepines were the main drug, up to 13.4 per cent of all cases.

There was an increase of 4.1 per cent in polydrug use, up to 60 per cent of all cases.

There was also a decrease in the number of cases where opioids were the main drug, down to 25 per cent of all cases.

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, said “This report provides clear evidence of the importance of a health-led approach to drug use.

“We have to face up to the wide prevalence of problem drug use across society and provide appropriate services to meet the health and social needs of the diverse population groups who use drugs.”