Alcohol treatment cases surge by 10% in 2023
Funding of €500,000 was provided in 2023 to expand community-based drug and alcohol services (Photo by wild little things via Pexels)
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy highlights the impact of investment in alcohol treatment services.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has highlighted the impact of investment in drug and alcohol services as new figures show a 10% rise in the number of alcohol treatment cases in 2023.
Data reported by the Health Research Board (HRB) in its National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) shows the result of increased investment in drug services in recent years, with the numbers in alcohol treatment now exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels. A total of 8,163 cases were treated for problem alcohol use in 2023, a 10% increase on the 7,421 cases reported in 2022.
Minister Burke said: “The gathering of data by the HRB from treatment services in relation to problematic alcohol use, is of vital importance for the monitoring and planning of services.
“While it is welcome that more cases of problem alcohol use are receiving treatment, the data serves as a reminder of the extent of problem alcohol use and the harmful impact of alcohol dependency. It is clear that as a society that we must reduce our consumption of alcohol through a public health response.”
Minister Burke added: “This Government continues to progress measures to address the consumption of alcohol in Ireland. I am pleased to say that 28 of the 31 provisions of the Public Health Alcohol Act 2018 have been commenced so far, including minimum unit pricing and the structural separation of alcohol products from other products in retail outlets.
“The implementation of the broadcast watershed provision in January 2025 will restrict the times for alcohol advertisements on radio and television, reducing children’s exposure to these ads. It will be followed in May 2026 by the implementation of new health labelling requirements for alcohol products.
“Together, these measures will help to reduce alcohol consumption, assist consumers to make informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption and delay the initiation of alcohol consumption by children and young people.”
The HRB bulletin revealed that new cases in alcohol treatment accounted for more than two in five cases. One in four cases involved polydrug use.
Commenting on the findings, Minister Burke said: “Treatment services are dealing with more complex cases, as the high consumption of alcohol is combined with use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and cannabis. That is why we need treatment services that are flexible and person-centred, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the necessary resources to achieve this”
Estimated public expenditure on drug and addiction services in 2024 is €163 million. This includes an additional €6 million in 2024 to expand drug services in the community, €2 million of which will be used to meet the increased demand for services, improve service design, and strengthen integration with community care.
Funding of €500,000 was also provided in 2023 to expand community-based drug and alcohol services.
The Department of Health is also prioritising prevention initiatives, with €1.5 million allocated in 2023 to five projects designed to reduce drug and alcohol use.
In addition, the Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme has piloted two Integrated Alcohol Services to provide support for people with harmful alcohol use and their families.
Minister Burke added: “I would encourage anyone with concerns regarding their alcohol use, or that of a family member or friend, to seek support from their GP, treatment services or to contact the drug and alcohol helpline.”
