Cocaine accounts for 42% of addiction treatment presentations in the East, Coolmine finds

Cocaine use accounted for 42% of treatment presentations Coolmine’s treatment services in the East, according to their latest trends reported.

Coolmine is one of the largest groups of treatment centres in Ireland, behind the likes of Cuan Mhuire, with multiple locations around the country.

Both powder and crack cocaine together accounted for this number, with powder cocaine down to 31% from 33% compared to the same period last year.

Presentations for crack cocaine rose to 11%, up from 6% in the same period last year. The group say that this highlights a regional pattern that differs from a national figure of 34% for combined powder and crack cocaine use.

When it came to alcohol, this accounted for 30% of regional presentations, up 4% from last year.

In terms of other drugs, heroin fell from 14% to 9%, while cannabis accounted for 9% and benzodiazepines for 10%.

Anita Harris, Head of Services at Coolmine, said: “Cocaine remains a prominent feature of the treatment picture in the East. Within that, crack cocaine now represents a greater share of presentations, even as powder cocaine’s share has fallen slightly. We need services that can respond to that changing pattern.”

“The increased share of alcohol presentations is another important part of the picture. People come to us with different needs, and treatment must be flexible enough to meet them.”

“That means recognising the different experiences of women and men, as well as the impact on children and families. Helping someone recover also means understanding the relationships and responsibilities that shape their life.”

Ms Harris added: “The National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030 allows us to strengthen the response to alcohol and drug-related harm in the East. Its success will rest on consistent investment in accessible, evidence-based treatment, culturally responsive care and services that support families alongside the person in treatment.

“We see how recovery can help people restore relationships and regain confidence in their future. The task now is to ensure that everyone who needs that support has a fair opportunity to access it.”