Alcohol and drug use in Northern Ireland increased by 60% during pandemic
Boredom cited as the top reason for the increase in usage
Alcohol and other drug use in Northern Ireland increased by two-thirds (60%) during the Covid-19 pandemic, with boredom given as the top reason (94%), according to new research from Ulster University.
The study, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drug Alliance (NIADA) and launched at Stormont Buildings, examined the impacts of Covid-19 on NIADA clients’ drug use, physical and mental health needs, as well as the impact on substance use services.
The research found that while almost two-thirds (58%) of those surveyed used one main drug during the pandemic, 42% used two or more other drugs. Alongside boredom, feeling anxious or depressed (92%) and social isolation (81%) were also given as reasons for increased drug usage. For clients in the 30-44 years age group, being furloughed and working from home were substantial factors for some clients.
The majority (76%) reported using alcohol as their main drug; the second most reported main drug was cannabis (34%), followed by cocaine or crack cocaine (15%), benzodiazepines (13%) and pregabalin (12%).
Despite higher demands on drug treatment and support providers in the voluntary and community sector, the study found services remained flexible, responsive and innovatively adapted. Services were not without challenges, but most clients (71%) were satisfied that services met their needs.
“These findings highlight that despite challenges and increased demand for substance use services, voluntary and community providers innovatively adapted services to meet clients immediate and continuing needs,” said Dr Julie Harris, Lecturer in Criminology at Ulster University.
“However, the findings also make it clear that political, organisational and financial investment across departments and sectors is needed to tackle the continued impacts of increasing drug-related harm in Northern Ireland. Collaborative and inter-departmental working is essential to the implementation of the Substance Use Strategy by the Department of Health to mitigate the multi-faceted reasons for problematic substance use and related harm.”
