Social Inclusion (PDF p.40)
During 2014:
• 9,369 patients were in receipt of opioid substitute treatment at the end of December (excluding prisons).
• This included 3,960 treated by 343 GPs in the community. Opioid substitute treatment was dispensed by 627 pharmacies catering for 6,403 patients. This is a 2.2% increase on 2013.
• 73 HSE clinics provided opioid substitute treatment and an additional ten clinics were provided in the prison service.
• 1,109 or 97% of substance misusers, over 18 years commenced treatment within one calendar month following assessment.
• 67 or 97% of substance misusers, under 18 years commenced treatment within one week following assessment.
• A progress report was published on implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 for the period to end of 2014. Good progress is being made by government departments and agencies around the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.
• Screening/assessment of people presenting with early indicators of drug and alcohol issues, and screening and brief intervention training programmes were delivered to 508 participants.
• A National Alcohol Strategy Implementation Group was established to progress implementation of the National Substance Misuse Strategy. Areas prioritised include the recruitment of a clinical lead for addiction services, an alcohol social marketing campaign, input into the proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill and the development of a strategic statement between the HSE and TUSLA on the impact of parental problem alcohol and other drug use on children (‘Hidden Harm’).
• A report examining the damage from alcohol to people other than the drinker was launched as part of Alcohol Awareness Week. The information is based on self-reported responses in the national drinking surveys of 2006 and 2010. The report Alcohol’s harm to others in Ireland was prepared by the Department of Public Health and Primary Care in Trinity College and was funded by the HSE.
• The Drug and Alcohol, HIV/Sexual Health and Hepatitis helpline/email support dealt with 2,579 contacts.

See also – key performance indicators p.64