The Health Service Executive (HSE) South published the report Data co-ordination overview of drug misuse 2009/2010  in October 2011.¹ The report covers the south eastern counties of HSE South (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford and Wexford), and comprises sections relating to treatment services, substance-related offences and cases dealt with by the Probation Service in the area. 

While alcohol was the main problem drug reported by treated clients in both years, in 2009 cannabis (15%) was the second most common main problem substance, followed by heroin (14%). In 2010, this trend was reversed and heroin (19%) was the second most common substance followed by cannabis (16%). In 2010, 1.5% of those treated for problem substance use were treated for headshop drugs, compared to only 0.07% in 2009. Of those treated for non-substance addictions in 2009 and 2010, most were treated for gambling. The outcomes for both years were similar, with similar proportions of clients completing treatment (Table 2).

1. Kidd M (2011) Data co-ordination overview of drug misuse 2009/2010. Waterford: HSE South. www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17057