In 2022, powder cocaine accounted for almost eight in every 10 treated cocaine cases, while two in 10 were crack cocaine. Four in 10 powder cocaine cases were employed and eight in 10 were male.
“There has been a considerable rise in the number seeking treatment for cocaine-use in recent years,” said Dr Anne Marie Carew, research officer at the HRB. “This is the result of the rise in use of cocaine as well as an increase in the provision of specific services to treat cocaine-use.”
Where crack cocaine was the main problem drug less than one in 10 were employed and six in 10 were male. Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Limerick accounted for most of these cases. Overall the median age of cases presenting for drug treatment with the HRB was 33. Men accounted for 72 per cent of cases, and 14 per cent were classed as homeless. Some 22 per cent were in paid employment and 40 per cent were living with children. The proportion of cases who were employed has doubled over the past seven years.
A majority of cases involved polydrug use, with cannabis, alcohol and cocaine as the most common additional drugs. “Our latest data provides insights into the patterns observed in drug treatment,” said HRB chief executive Mairéad O’Driscoll. “Like, last year we are seeing an increase in cocaine as a problem drug. This year it has surpassed opioids. The data we have collated will support practices in relation to treatment as well as underpinning action on preventive measures.”
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cocaine has overtaken heroin and other opioids to become most common problem drugLast year cocaine accounted for one in three of the 12,009 cases treated for problem drug-use, according to a Health Research Board report
Read more »
Cocaine overtakes opiates to become Ireland's 'most common' problem drugCocaine was reported over 4,000 times as the most common problem drug in treatment cases in 2022.
Read more »
Cocaine most common drug people are treated forCocaine is now the most common drug people seek treatment for, a report by the Health Research Board has revealed.
Read more »
2,000 Gardaí assaulted in the last seven years“Bodycams will be vital in terms of protecting Gardaí.' Just over 2,000 Gardaí were assaulted while on duty in the last seven years.
Read more »
Rory McIlroy one stroke behind lead going into last day of US OpenHalfway leader Rickie Fowler looked set to maintain his overnight advantage until three-putting the 18th.
Read more »
Garda left with 'serious injuries' after vehicle collision in Donegal last FridayA Garda motorcyclist, in his 40s, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital and treated for 'serious' but not life-threatening injuries.
Read more »