Abuse of substances both legal and illegal is a societal issue in the Waterford constituency as it is throughout the country. The report finds that the majority of people seeking help for addiction in the Waterford constituency are using more than one drug – with alcohol and hash being by far the most popular cocktail for almost two thirds. A history of addiction in the family is overwhelmingly prevalent – over 96 per cent of cases had a history of addiction in the family. The problem of substance abuse is not just about hard drugs, it is not only about single drug-types, it is linked closely to the use of alcohol. It is not only about the user but about families with a history of addiction and therefore, it is a matter for society as a whole. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has to date produced three reports – one on cannabis; one on cocaine and one on alcohol abuse. It was felt that these reports primarily focused on the capital city and that there was a need to examine drug abuse in an area outside of the capital in order to assist in developing a more comprehensive nationwide picture of the prevalence of drug abuse.