13,104 cases were treated for problem drug use last year, according to the Health Research Board.
It is the highest annual number recorded and an increase of more than 1,000 cases compared to 2022.
Cocaine was the most common main drug among new cases in 2023, accounting for almost half of new cases.There was a 228% increase in the number of cases where cocaine was the main problem drug between 2017 and 2023.For previously treated cases, cocaine accounted for one-in-three cases, the highest number recorded to date.Between 2017 and 2023, there was a 388% increase among females who sought drug treatment for cocaine.
For those returning to drug treatment, opioids continue to be the leading problem although the rates have declined.Opioids were the main drug generating treatment demand for cases aged 40 years or older, an increase compared to earlier years where it was 35 years or older. Of the cases currently injecting, there was an increase problem use of cocaine and also polydrug use.Half of cases exiting treatment in 2023 had engaged for three months or longer.
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