Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy highlights increased provision of drug treatment services
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 25 June 2024
- Last updated on: 25 June 2024
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Colm Burke has today highlighted the increased provision of services for people seeking treatment for problematic drug use.
Speaking as new figures showed a rise of almost 1,100 in the number of people receiving treatment, the Minister said increased investment under the national drugs strategy has improved access and availability of treatment for people dealing with addiction issues.
The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) for 2023, published by the Health Research Board, shows there were 13,104 cases in 2023 compared to 12,009 in 2022.
Cocaine was the most common drug reported, accounting for more than 37% of all cases (4,923), an increase of more than 20% on 2022 (4,084). Opioids, mainly heroin, were the second most common main problem drug reported, although the number of cases fell by 126, from 3,971 in 2022 to 3,845 in 2023. Among cases aged 19 years or younger, cannabis was the main drug generating treatment demand.
Highlighting the increase in the numbers accessing treatment, Minister Burke said:
"It is very encouraging to see that the additional investment under the national drug strategy over the past few years is expanding access to and availability of treatment for those who are seeking help with addiction issues. This government is committed to a health response to drug use so we have prioritised targeted investment to ensure services are available to those who need them.
"The findings in today’s NDTRS clearly show the impact of this investment. However, we must give careful consideration to all trends reflected in the report as this information helps to inform our policies and assists us in developing the most appropriate services."
Earlier this month, Minister Burke launched an interactive map of publicly-funded drug treatment and drug-related family support services. The online tool provides easily navigable information on local services for people looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, and for families and concerned others who are struggling to deal with a loved one’s drug or alcohol use.
Minister Burke said:
"Drug use continues to impact negatively on the lives of people who struggle with addiction and their 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 or contact the drug and alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459 and the drugs.ie website."
Reflecting the department’s ongoing commitment to responding to drug trends, in 2023, €500,000 was provided to expand community-based drug and alcohol services, including targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities heavily affected by cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. This funding followed €850,000 allocated in 2022, including support for two projects in Tallaght working with crack cocaine users.
The department is also prioritising drug prevention and education, with €1.5 million allocated in 2023 to five projects delivering initiatives designed to reduce drug and alcohol use.
Notes
The National Drug Treatment Reporting System is the national surveillance system that records and reports on cases of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland. It is compiled annually to provide information on treatment demand and provides important data to allow services to deliver what is required.
A key strategic priority of the National Drugs Strategy is to enhance access to, and delivery of, drugs services in the community. Demand for and access to services has increased during the period of the current strategy.
The department has introduced new initiatives to enhance access to services over the past few years. This includes the Community Services Enhancement Fund (CSEF), introduced in 2022, with a budget of €2 million, to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services under the National Drugs Strategy. Funding is aligned with the emphasis on enhanced community care in the Sláintecare reform programme, that shifts care into the community and closer to people’s homes. Over 50 community-based drug projects are being funded under the CSEF across all Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs).
The department has allocated a total additional €13.5 million in 2023 and 2024 to support existing services and to develop new services in the community. Approximately one third of this funding is allocated to community and voluntary organisations.
The Department of Health provided an additional €4 million to expand community and residential addiction services under the HSE National Service Plan 2023. A further €3.5 million was provided to maintain existing level of service for community and voluntary providers of drug and inclusion health services.
Under Budget 2024, €800,000 was secured to support the recovery of people with drug dependency and their integration into everyday life, including family, housing, employment and education. It will include peer-based recovery support and coaching, and the development of recovery communities. €2 million was secured to support and expand community-based drug services in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces and CHOs. This will meet the increased demand for services, improve service design, and strengthen integration with community care.