Problem drug use has increased among Irish women, report finds

Ciara Kelly spoke on Newstalk Breakfast about the surge in women seeking treatment for drugs

The report showed a 338% increase in women seeking drug treatment, especially for cocaine.

In 2017 there were 284 cases in which women sought treatment, which rose to 1,387 cases in 2023.

According to the report, 13,104 people were treated for problem drug use.

Cocaine was most commonly reported drug, and made up for 37.6% of all cases. Heroin and cannabis were the second and third most common respectively.

According to the study, in cases treated for the first time, women "were older, had higher proportions of homelessness, and had higher rates of problem opioid use."

Ciara Kelly said that Ireland is "awash with drugs" and that the problem appears to affect Dublin City Centre in particular.

"Literally you can't turn around the city centre without seeing somebody either off their heads on drugs or the smell of weed or whatever."

Kelly said that cocaine use in particular is "very white collar" while people living in disadvantaged areas are "suffering the brunt of the organised criminal elements."

While people suggest that legalising drugs could potentially help the issue, Kelly disagreed:

"I think all that will do is open the floodgates, I think things are bad as they are."

The HSE runs a Drugs and Alcohol Helpline for people dealing with addiction, and offers information on rehabilitation and support.

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