Overall Drug/Alcohol Usage in the East Coast Region

• Persons seeking treatment and support have increased across the services in this region.
• The HRB record 1001 new contacts receiving treatment in 2023 which does not include any of the 1072 clients from HSE CHE on OST recorded by the Central Treatment List.
• While the majority seeking assistance are Irish born currently, there are growing numbers coming forward from other countries of birth.
• The numbers of females coming forward is increasing year-on-year as a result of the enhanced focus on female specific interventions and supports available.
• As in previous years, Alcohol, Cocaine, Cannabis and Heroin remain the most prevalent drugs identified as causing problems at assessment in this region.

Emerging Trends

• Initial Client Assessments indicate more clients with greater complexities, poly drug use and diverse needs. Drug use co-existing with mental health difficulties and/or homelessness continues to require greater interagency cooperation to assist this vulnerable group.
• Drug Related Intimidation in a number of forms reported as a result of high levels of drug debt owing. This is affecting all social groups and areas causing high levels of fear and anxiety in families and communities who find themselves exposed to this.
• Community supported detoxification is proving difficult to establish without better and more formalised medical engagement and support.
• Follow on for clients, after positive change has been established, is an area which needs more inter-agency work so that better pathways to career guidance, training, education and work is available.