Over 3,200 Seek Addiction Support as Demand Reaches New Highs

More than 3,200 individuals accessed addiction treatment and recovery support through the Coolmine Therapeutic Community in the past year, as the organization reported that high demand has become the “new normal” for addiction services in Ireland. An end-of-year analysis presented during a graduation ceremony in Blanchardstown revealed that 3,282 people engaged with treatment nationwide, reflecting ongoing high needs and increasingly complex challenges related to mental health, housing instability, and family pressures.

The data highlights that men represented 58% of presentations, while women accounted for 42%. Notably, there has been a marked increase in female engagement with addiction services. Alcohol remained the most commonly reported substance, at 37%, followed closely by cocaine at 34%, cannabis at 12%, benzodiazepines at 9%, and heroin at 8%.

Changing Trends and Support Services

The analysis indicates evolving drug-use trends, including a gradual decline in heroin use and a notable increase in women presenting with crack cocaine use. Throughout the year, Coolmine maintained consistently high capacity in its residential programs, achieving strong retention outcomes across its treatment services. Additionally, 492 families received dedicated support, and 192 members of the Traveller community were engaged through targeted initiatives. A total of 72 children were also supported across residential and regional programs.

During the graduation ceremony at Dráiocht, 13 individuals celebrated completing their treatment programs. This event emphasized the vital role of families, staff, and peer networks in fostering long-term recovery. According to Pauline McKeown, Chief Executive of Coolmine, “Demand remains extremely high and what we are seeing now is a new baseline for addiction treatment in Ireland.” She underscored the importance of sustained investment, integrated care, and accessible services nationwide.

Addressing Complex Needs

McKeown noted that each graduate symbolizes hope, resilience, and the impact of timely support. The organization emphasized that family-based interventions are central to its treatment model, recognizing the broader effects of addiction on children and communities. Anita Harris, Deputy Head of Services at Coolmine, highlighted that the rise in women accessing services and emerging substance-use patterns necessitate trauma-informed and gender-responsive care. She stated, “Supporting families and children is essential to breaking cycles of harm and building sustainable recovery.”

Regionally, the east of Ireland recorded the highest demand, with 1,827 clients supported and significant utilization of residential services. In the south-west, 970 clients accessed services, while engagement with family supports increased despite a slight overall decline in presentations. In the mid-west, services supported 230 clients and noted 231 new referrals throughout the year.

The findings from Coolmine reflect broader societal pressures contributing to increased addiction demand, such as co-occurring mental health challenges and family-related impacts. McKeown concluded, “Every person who seeks support represents courage and hope. Our priority is ensuring that anyone who reaches out can access compassionate, evidence-based care. Recovery is possible, and no one should have to face addiction alone.”