2023 key findings include:

• INCREASE IN DRUG-RELATED HARM, HIDDEN HARM & LOW-LEVELS OF HELP SEEKING: From 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of under 18s and adults affected by drug and alcohol use in Dublin 15, either through their own addiction or a family members. This increase was associated with an increase in the use and availability of drugs and alcohol, and an increase in the number of people attending treatment and family support services. From 2021 to 2023, there has been a 6% increase in the number of children affected by familial drug or alcohol use, from 385 to 409 of treated drug use and family support cases. Data reports that the extent of hidden harm in Dublin 15 is underrepresented, while prevalence and treatment demand data identifies that the overall rate of help-seeking for treatment and family support is low.

• NORMALISATION OF DRUG & ALCOHOL USE HAMPERS HELP SEEKING: The common perception is that drug and alcohol use is risk free and socially acceptable. Alcohol is the most normalised drug, followed by cannabis herb, cocaine powder and benzodiazepines. These are the most common drugs used by under 18s and adults, untreated and treated drug users. The impact of this normalisation is reported, whereby it is perceived to be a factor that hinders help seeking and contributes to young people using alcohol and drugs at an earlier age.

• DRUG USE IN DUBLIN 15 IS A COMMUNITY WIDE ISSUES CROSSING ALL SOCIO-ECONOMIC BOUNDARIES: Since 2015, treated and untreated drug use has been reported among all socio-economic groups and in all areas of Dublin 15. This highlights the widespread nature of drug and alcohol dependence, and how this issue affects people from every community, though issues are more pronounced in socio-economically deprived communities.

• DRUG USE & SCHOOLS: Evidence of drug use during school hours in all local secondary schools. Easy access to drugs continues and is facilitated by an increase in the number of under 18s dealing, with evidence of drug dealing in all local secondary schools. Year 9 was the first year that drug use and dealing was reported in local primary schools. These primary and secondary schools are a mixture of affluent and socio-economically deprived, including those with and without DEIS status. This data indicates that drug use is a community wide issue crossing all socio-economic boundaries.

• EVIDENCE-BASED SERVICE PROVISION: The value and importance of evidence-based programmes in treatment and family support services was reported. Service users reported how engagement with these programmes empowered them to improve their coping strategies, increase their resilience and prioritise their wellbeing.