This report summarizes trends in contacts with the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline and the HSE HIV and Sexual Health Helpline during 2025. The findings are based on anonymized information that emerged naturally during contacts with the service and should therefore be interpreted as service-contact data rather than population prevalence data.

As has been the case since 2015, Alcohol was the most commonly referred to substance of use on the Helpline in 2025, featuring in 3,273 contacts. Cocaine has been the second most commonly referred to substance since 2018 and featured in 1,231 contacts in 2025. Combined alcohol and cocaine use remained a significant theme with 512 contacts referring to using both substances, which is an 8% increase on 2024.

Mental health concerns were highlighted in 27% of addiction related contacts who referenced a mental health issue alongside substance use concerns. Relationship breakdown, anxiety/depression; suicide/self-harm, debt, drug-related intimidation and concern for family members are recurring themes.

This report also highlights changing patterns in calls relating to cannabis, benzodiazepine, opioid, crack, ketamine and synthetic/semi synthetic cannabinoid use and also regional, gender and age variations in contacts with the Helpline. The findings indicate the ongoing importance of this accessible, confidential Helpline support service, particularly for people seeking treatment and those concerned about them.