‘Clear changes’ in drinking patterns countrywide, Health Research Board finds (opens original article in a new tab)

The Health Research Board reported clear changes in drinking patterns in the Republic, with a record number of people seeking alcohol treatment in 2025. Cocaine use among alcohol treatment cases rose significantly, while alcohol dependence cases decreased, but hazardous and harmful use increased. The median age of treatment cases also increased over time.

• Record number of people sought alcohol treatment in 2025
• Cocaine use among alcohol treatment cases rose to 72% in 2025
• Alcohol dependence cases fell from 72% in 2017 to 49% in 2025
• Hazardous and harmful alcohol use increased between 2017 and 2025
• Median age of treatment cases increased from 41 to 43 years between 2017 and 2025