This report looks at trends in calls and emails (contacts) dealt with by the Helpline team in 2024. The key trends to emerge in 2024 are:

• Alcohol remains the most referred to substance and there was a 7% increase in contacts about Alcohol in 2024, following on from a 776% increase in Alcohol contacts from 2014 (388) to 2024 (3400). 32% of Alcohol contacts were about Alcohol in combination with another substance. (see Alcohol results at 7.4)
• Cocaine is the second most referred to substance, with a 668% increase from 2014 (160) to 2024 (1229) but there was a 3% decrease in the number of Cocaine contacts since 2023. When Debts or Drug related intimidation or violence are mentioned 70%, revealed that it was connected with Cocaine use. (see Cocaine results at 7.6)
• References to combined Alcohol and Cocaine use increased by 908% from 2014 (47) to 2024 (474) but there was a 16% decrease since 2023. (see 7.5)
• 96% of people who contacted the Helpline about addiction/ substance use were seeking advice or information on treatment and support options. (see 7.3)
• Almost 1 in 3 contacts referenced a mental health issue alongside their substance use issue. (see 7.13)
• We noted a 21% increase in contacts about female drinkers aged 61yrs and over when compared with 2023.(see 7.11)

Looking particularly at Gender

• We noted that Codeine and Alcohol (over 61yrs) are the only two areas where we have had more queries about women than men.
• We found that 72% of contacts about THC and Synthetic Cannabinoids were about male users.
• We note that women are least likely to seek help with their substance use when aged 31-35yrs and 41-45yrs age group and most likely to contact us if aged 61yrs or older.
• We received almost 4.8 times more queries about Synthetic Cannabinoid HHC in 2024 compared to 2023. (see 7.10)

 Kildare, West Wickow, Dublin West and Dublin South West (CHO 7) was the area most represented in Helpline contacts in 2024 (see 7.15)