Alcohol dependence down but more treated for harmful use (opens original article in a new tab)

The number of people treated for problem alcohol use in Ireland increased slightly in 2025, with fewer cases of alcohol dependence but more cases of harmful use. Cocaine remains the most common additional drug used with alcohol.

• Number of people treated for problem alcohol use increased slightly in 2025 compared to 2024
• Cocaine is the most common additional drug used with alcohol, with 72% of cases reporting its use
• Proportion of alcohol-dependent cases decreased from 72% in 2017 to 49% in 2025