New data from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) report on alcohol treatment in 2025, published by the Health Research Board (HRB), shows that there were 8,798 cases presenting for treatment for problematic alcohol use with almost one in three cases requiring treatment for polydrug use (alcohol and other drugs).

Minister Murnane O’Connor has announced funding of €426,000 to support the development of an online tool which will support individuals to reduce their alcohol and/or drug use through evidence based behavioural change techniques, interactive exercises and support. This two-year project is funded under the Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund and is led by HSE Health and Wellbeing.

The initiative aims to strengthen prevention and early intervention by improving access to evidence‑based, non‑judgemental support, particularly for young people, marginalised groups, and those facing barriers to traditional services. This announcement comes as the HRB has published alcohol treatment data for 2025.

In 2025, the number of cases treated for problem alcohol use increased by less than 1% and reached 8,798 cases, the highest annual total reported over the time. 43% were new cases (never treated for problem alcohol use before), while previously treated cases accounted for 53% of alcohol treatment cases. Almost half of all cases were classified as alcohol dependent, with a further 30% reported as harmful drinkers.

When combined with the NDTRS treatment figures for drug use in 2025, the total number of recorded episodes for drug and alcohol treatment comes to 24,220 cases. This represents a 10% increase when compared to the total treatment episodes in 2024 (22,040 episodes).

Minister Murnane O’Connor, said:

“The data published today showing alcohol treatment illustrates the harms that problem alcohol use can have on individuals, as well as their families, and communities. We need a holistic response that supports the individual and their family members to address the harms of alcohol dependency.”

Minister Murnane O’Connor continued:

“I published a draft National Drugs Strategy earlier this year and it places a strong focus on protecting individuals, children, families and communities from the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use. There is an overlap between problem drug and alcohol use. The draft strategy presents an integrated response that aims to reduce the harms associated with all substances.”

To address the demand for alcohol treatment on an equitable basis across the country, the Department provided €1 million in 2025, rising to €1.8 million in 2026, for the roll out of integrated community alcohol treatment services on a national basis. New services are being established in HSE Dublin and Midlands and HSE Dublin and South East, and existing services in HSE Dublin and North East and HSE West and North West are being expanded. This will ensure that integrated community alcohol services are available across all health regions. The services operate from a 'Hub and Spoke' model, providing services within existing acute and non-acute settings, offering a multi-disciplinary model of care in the community for problem alcohol use.

The health expenditure on drug and alcohol services in 2024 was approximately €170 million, including over €60 million on community-based services.

People looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, or that of a loved one, can do so via an interactive map, which details more than 450 drug and alcohol services nationwide.

Anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s alcohol use is encouraged to seek help. Support is available through GPs, local services, or the Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459. Further information can be found at drugs.ie

Notes:

The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) is the national surveillance system that records and reports annually on cases of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland.

The NDTRS provides information on treated problem alcohol use for 2025, together with trends over the nine-year period from 2017 to 2025.

• There was a 1% increase in treated cases, from 8,745 cases in 2024 to 8,798 cases in 2025.
• Previously treated cases amounted to 53% and 43% were new cases.
• The majority of cases were treated in outpatient and low threshold services.
• Approximately half of cases were classified as alcohol dependent, (a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological symptoms), 16% considered hazardous (a pattern of alcohol use that increases the risk of harmful consequences for the person) and 30% harmful (a pattern of use that results in damage to physical or mental health; can include negative social consequences).
• Almost one in three (32%) cases treated for problem alcohol use also reported problem use of more than one substance (polydrug use).
• Cocaine (72%) was the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol, followed by cannabis (50%).
• Cocaine was the main drug reported alongside alcohol among those aged 20-49 years. Cannabis was the most reported drug along with alcohol in other age groups
• The proportion of cases reporting polydrug use increased from 20% in 2017 to 32% in 2025. The number of cases reporting polydrug use has increased by 94%, from 1,452 cases in 2017 to 2,820 cases in 2025.
• Cocaine, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and opioids were the most common additional problem drugs reported over the period 2017–2025 for those in alcohol treatment.