High society

17% rise in people calling HSE over their cocaine habit | Figures show spike in drug’s abuse combined with alcohol

- NOEL BAKER

THE number of people contacting the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline over cocaine use increased by 17% last year. 

It dealt with 5,412 inquiries in 2022, more than the two previous years.

Alcohol use was again the most common issue reported with a 9% rise in contacts in 2022.

The statistics show combined use of both substances has been on the rise.

According to the report: “There has been an increase reports of combined alcohol and cocaine use since 2017.

“Alcohol contacts accounted for 50% of substance use related contacts since 2020. Where the information was volunteered we know 143 (6%) of the alcohol contacts in 2022 were using cannabis along with alcohol and 67 (3%) were taking anti-depressants as well as alcohol.

“And 408 (17%) of alcohol contacts were using cocaine at the same time.”

It also said figures released by the Health Research Board last year showed a tripling of cocaine cases being treated between 2015 and 2021.

Tony Duffin, chief executive of Dublin’s Ana Liffey Drug Project, said the combination of the drug and alcohol presents an increased risk.