The number of people seeking treatment for alcohol problems has hit its highest level in over a decade, according to the Health Research Board (HRB). According to RTE, new data reveals that 8,163 individuals received treatment in 2023, marking a 10% increase compared to 2022.
Alarming Trends
The HRB’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System highlights a concerning rise in polydrug use, with one in four cases reporting the use of another drug alongside alcohol. Cocaine remains the most common additional drug, with 1,310 cases in 2023, more than doubling from 607 in 2017.
Alcohol Dependence Shifts
For those seeking treatment for the first time, three in five were classified as alcohol-dependent. Despite this, the proportion of all cases deemed alcohol-dependent dropped from 72% in 2017 to 61% in 2023. Senior HRB researcher Suzi Lyons considers this a positive sign, indicating that more people are seeking help before becoming dependent. “The earlier people present for treatment, the more successful outcomes are likely to be,” Lyons said.
Demographic Insights
The report also provides a demographic breakdown: six in ten cases were male, with a median age of 42 years for men and 44 years for women. Nearly half of those treated were unemployed, and one-third were in paid employment. Among parents with children under 17, more than half had at least one child residing with them at the time of treatment.
Rising Daily Consumption
From 2017 to 2023, the proportion of individuals consuming alcohol daily increased from 43% to 56%. Hazardous alcohol use rose from 10% to 13%, and harmful use escalated from 16% to 22%.
Drinking Habits
The data also shed light on drinking habits:
- Females: Typically drank more than two bottles of wine per session (15 standard drinks).
- Males: Consumed an average of nine pints of beer or over half a litre of spirits per session (18 standard drinks).
HRB’s Concerns
The HRB reiterated its concern about the rise in polydrug use, emphasizing that it complicates treatment and hampers recovery efforts. The proportion of cases involving multiple drugs alongside alcohol has increased from one in five in 2017 to one in four in 2023. Cocaine, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and opioids were the most common additional substances used.
This significant rise in treatment cases highlights the urgent need for enhanced intervention and support for individuals battling alcohol and polydrug use in Ireland.