Alcohol and cocaine dependence remain the most common issues facing addicts in Ireland according to a new report issued by Coolmine Therapeutic Community this week.
The addiction treatment centre noted that it had supported 3,293 individuals and families in 2024 — marking a sharp 35% increase compared to the previous year.
Following the publication of the report, Coolmine CEO Pauline McKeown said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, “We’re now seeing cocaine prevalence, the use of cocaine. We’re seeing that crossing and straddling across all socioeconomic groups.
“We are needing to adapt services. We are needing to increase services, and we need to have an eye and a focus to the fact that we need to have services, addiction services available in local communities, in rural areas, it’s no longer just an urban problem.”
Alcohol accounted for 35% of all presentations, followed by cocaine at 32%, cannabis at 11%, tranquillisers at 8%, and heroin at 7.5%.
The centre’s report stated that the number of women it supported last year was 1,396 -marking an increase 11%.
This was reported to have been a consequence of lower barriers to treatment, such as reduced stigma and childcare.
In total, 326 families accessed direct support including counselling, parenting and education last year.
There were also 52 children who entered women’s residential services with their mothers.
Ms McKeown said the support provided encompasses a “whole of family approach”.
“That’s working with the adult who’s been impacted by drug and alcohol use but also supporting their children and the family”, she said.
“We’re able to support people in recovery to be the best parent for their children and for that family unit with support to remain together.”
“In doing so, we’re actually able to break generational cycles of addiction in Irish society.”
