The Health Research Board (HRB) has released a report documenting the highest figures in drug treatment to date, highlighting a significant increase in cocaine use, particularly among females. In 2023, a total of 13,104 cases were treated for problem drug use, reflecting an increase of more than one thousand cases compared to 2022.

Key Findings

Overall Treatment Statistics

In 2023, 13,104 cases were treated for problem drug use, marking the highest annual number recorded. Nearly four-in-ten of these cases had never been treated before. Cocaine emerged as the most common drug reported, accounting for one-in-three cases. This was followed by opioids (mainly heroin), cannabis, and benzodiazepines.

Commenting on the findings, HRB Chief Executive Dr. Mairéad O’Driscoll stated that the sharp rise in cocaine use and the increased provision of specific services to treat cocaine use contributed to these high numbers. The data collected each year helps to understand treatment practices, highlight areas of future need, and underpin action on prevention.

Cocaine Use Trends

Dr. Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at the HRB, noted that the rise in cocaine use is significantly changing the landscape of treatment demand in Ireland. Cocaine is the main problem drug for nearly half of new cases seeking treatment and one-in-three returning cases. Moreover, cocaine is also the second most common additional drug for which people seek treatment alongside another substance.

Cocaine-Specific Data

In 2023, 4,923 cases were recorded with cocaine as the main problem drug. Between 2017 and 2023, there was a 228% increase in the number of cases where cocaine was the primary issue. Powder cocaine cases increased by 197%, while crack cocaine cases surged by 594%.

Cocaine remains the most common main drug among new cases in 2023, accounting for almost 46% of new cases. For previously treated cases, cocaine accounted for one-in-three cases, the highest number recorded to date.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics

The socio-demographic characteristics of individuals seeking treatment varied depending on the type of cocaine used:

• Powder Cocaine: More than one-in-five were female, two-in-five were employed, and the median age entering treatment was 31 years.
• Crack Cocaine: Nearly half were female, just over one-in-20 were employed, and the median age was 39 years.

Between 2017 and 2023, there was a 388% increase in females seeking drug treatment for cocaine, from 284 cases in 2017 to 1,387 cases in 2023. Dr. Carew highlighted the concern regarding the sharp increase in cocaine cases among females, especially around crack cocaine, noting that females entering drug treatment are more likely to be living with dependent children. Understanding the complex issues they face will help identify the integrated services they require.

New vs. Returning Cases

Cocaine is the most common drug reported among new cases entering drug treatment, with rates rising significantly over the past seven years. In contrast, the proportion of new cases reporting cannabis or opioids as their main problem drug has decreased. For those returning to drug treatment, opioids remain the leading problem, although the rates have declined. There is a steady increase in the number of cocaine cases returning for treatment.

Source: Drugs and Alcohol