Background: Drug-related intimidation (DRI) is a pervasive and under-reported form of criminal activity that affects individuals, families and communities in Ireland. Research studies show awareness of DRI is high yet reporting remains low due to fear of reprisals, proximity to intimidators, stigma and limited awareness of supports. The DRIVE model was published in 2021 and provides a coordinated framework and data driven model for prevention, support for those impacted by DRI, community response, and system-level change.

Methodology: This report presents the first national overview of DRI among people engaged with addiction and/or family support services and is based on data collected through the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) in 2024-2025a in the Health Research Board (HRB). It summarises the DRIVE Project model, describes the DRI data collection within the NDTRS, and outlines key findings and recommendations to strengthen prevention, support and interagency responses.

Key findings: A total of 1,027 cases were reported to the NDTRS in 2024-2025. DRI was reported across all Health Service Executive (HSE) Health Regions and in every county. Dublin accounted for the largest share of cases (42.8%). Half of cases were aged 35 years or under (most cases were aged 20–44). The majority of cases were male (58.5%). Approximately three-quarters of cases (74.6%) were in stable accommodation; 12.3% were homeless. Most cases sought treatment for problem drug use (71.0%), most commonly cocaine (39.8%) and cannabis (11.1%). A further 19.2% of cases were affected family members (AFMs) impacted by a loved one’s addiction.

Over one-third of all cases (36.5%) were currently experiencing DRI at the time of treatment; 63.5% of all cases had previously experienced DRI but not currently. Nearly two fifths of cases (38.5%) reported that this was their first experience of DRI. Cocaine was the most common problem drug linked to DRI (58.8%), and one-third (32.5%) reported the involvement of more than one drug. Drug-related debt was common (67.1%) among cases reporting DRI. Drugrelated debt varied from less than €100 to more than €20,000; the most frequent amount demanded was between €1,000 and €4,999 (23.8%). Where known, most intimidators were male. Types of intimidation most commonly reported were threats to the individual (64.2%), and threats to family members (25.1%). Other forms of DRI included violence to the individual (19.7%) and property damage (10.1%). In almost half of cases (46.4%), outcomes of the DRI were resolved informally (without the formal intervention of An Garda Síochána), while 20.2% of cases reported intimidation was ongoing during treatment.

[See also, Department of Health report press release]