Rise in treatment for cocaine, crack cocaine use - HRB

RTÉ News reports on a concerning trend highlighted by the Health Research Board (HRB): a rise in treatment for cocaine and crack cocaine use across Ireland. The findings from the HRB's 2025 report paint a stark picture of the ongoing drug challenges facing the nation.

The data reveals that cocaine continues to be the most prevalent drug for which treatment is sought, excluding alcohol. It constitutes a significant 42% of all drug treatment cases, marking a substantial 24% increase compared to the previous year. This indicates a deepening problem with cocaine addiction and a growing demand for support services.

Beyond cocaine, the HRB's report also flags an increase in treatments for newer substances, including new psychoactive substances (NPS) and ketamine. A particularly noteworthy, albeit smaller, group of cases involved nitrous oxide, with a concerning statistic that over half of these individuals were 17 years old or younger, highlighting the vulnerability of young people to substance misuse.

Dr. Gráinne Gorman, Chief Executive of the HRB, emphasized that the report not only underscores the persistent dominance of cocaine in Irish society but also reflects an increased investment in publicly funded drug treatment services. This suggests that while the problem is growing, resources are also being allocated to address it, making services more accessible to those struggling. From an Irish perspective, this report serves as a critical update on public health challenges, underscoring the need for continued vigilance, prevention efforts, and accessible treatment options to combat rising drug use.

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The report shows the continued dominance of cocaine use in Irish society, it also represents increased investment in publicly funded drug treatment services, meaning they are available to more people that are struggling with problem drug use.