People ‘feel they need ketamine, cocaine, alcohol to show up to a social situation’ (opens original article in a new tab)

A leading Irish charity reports a rise in drug addiction among middle-class individuals using substances like cocaine and ketamine to manage social anxiety, with increased cases among the LGBTQ+ community due to chemsex and unsafe hormone practices.

• Irish people are using drugs like cocaine and ketamine to cope with social anxiety, leading to addiction
• Middle-class individuals and professionals are increasingly seeking treatment for drug addiction
• LGBTQ+ community members are engaging with services due to chemsex and unsafe hormone use
• Higher cocaine purity in Ireland is a growing concern for addiction and overdose risks