Press Release: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy highlights increased provision of drug treatment services
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D., has today highlighted increased capacity of drug treatment services as a result of investment under the National Drugs Strategy.
Data published today in the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) have shown that there was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. This continues the upward trend in treatment cases and demonstrates the impact of the National Drugs Strategy in enhancing access to drug services, with an increase of 50% in cases since the strategy began in 2017.
The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with children and those without, and those who are unemployed as well those in employment.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“This report provides clear evidence of the importance of a health-led approach to drug use. We have to face up to the wide prevalence of problem drug use across society and provide appropriate services to meet the health and social needs of the diverse population groups who use drugs.”
The report highlights key trends in problem drug use, which services are responding to in a dynamic and flexible way:
- An increase of 7.4% in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug (to 39.8% of all cases)
- An Increase of 21% in the number of cases where benzodiazepines were the main drug (to 13.4% of all cases)
- An increase of 4.1% in polydrug use (to 60% of all cases)
- A decrease in the number of cases where opioids were the main drug to 25% of all cases.
Minister Murnane O’Connor added:
“Patterns of drug use are evolving, with more people using cocaine and benzodiazepines, and fewer dependent on opioids. It is also noticeable that polydrug use is increasing. Government has invested additional resources in services with high demand. Drug services are also demonstrating their responsiveness to changing patterns of drug use.”
Minister Murnane O’Connor continued:
‘I note that the vast majority of treatment services (80%) are provided in the community, either in out-patient facilities and in low threshold settings. These services are easier to access, have minimal waiting times, and can connect cases to primary healthcare services where this is required.”
The cases reported in the NDTRS are from a record number of 456 drug services, These services are available across all parts of the country and can be found on an online interactive map on www.drugsandalcohol.ie (link here). The map lists services for different types of drug, age groups, location, and treatment provided.
Minister Murnane O’Connor added:
“I’m keenly aware that addiction has far-reaching impacts, not just for the person using drugs, as it can also be devastating for families and loved ones. Help and support are available so I would strongly encourage anyone with concerns about their own drug use, or that of a family member or friend, to seek support from your GP, local services, to find your nearest addiction treatment facility on the interactive map, or to contact the drug and alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459.”
Minister Murnane O’Connor has made available an additional €2 million to expand drug treatment services in 2025. This significant investment aims to improve access to services in underserved communities, promote evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and enhance services for people who use stimulant drugs and those who have a dual diagnosis with mental health. The funding was recently allocated to the six HSE health regions, with service priorities to be identified in consultation with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and other relevant stakeholders.