The purpose of the National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030 is to deliver an integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to the harms of drug and alcohol use. The content of the strategy reflects the Government commitment to a health-led approach to drug use. It builds on the previous drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery (1), which was independently evaluated in 2025 (2).

It is informed by trends in drug and alcohol use and developments in the European drugs market. It takes into account the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use (3). Following publication of the draft strategy in February 2026 (4), it has been revised based on the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use (5), an online public consultation (6) and an engagement process involving all relevant stakeholders, including the Health Service Executive (HSE), community and voluntary sector, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, and other Government Departments and Agencies to consider stakeholder engagement in the National Drugs Strategy within the new HSE Health Regions (7).

This strategy marks a further evolution in the health-led response. It puts a major focus on the prevention and early intervention of drug and alcohol use, actively refers people in possession of drugs for personal use to the health services and expands alternatives to criminal sanctions. The strategy recognises that the problems that individuals and communities face because of the harms of drugs and alcohol use are complex and are inextricably linked with other critical health and social challenges. This means that the strategy, to be effective, is multi-faceted and comprehensive, with actions that work together to create a responsive and personcentred system of care and support. Addressing the social determinants of drug and alcohol use and supporting long-term recovery and social integration are important elements of this integrated approach.

The strategy presents an integrated response to drug and alcohol use that seeks to reduce the harms of all substances and acknowledges the overlap between drug and alcohol use. It promotes health equity, ensuring those impacted by the harms of drug or alcohol use can access healthcare services and are offered supports to aid their recovery and social integration.

It also creates synergies with policies and actions across the health domain as well as other public policies, like housing, education, employment support and the criminal justice system. It contains an integrated mix of interventions, services and supports, that is both complementary and responsive to differing needs and conditions and encompass a comprehensive set of policy measures that respond effectively to the contemporary challenges of drug and alcohol use.