Library collection and resources
We were set up in 2002 by those who recognised that there was a significant amount of information related to the drugs situation in Ireland, but this was largely invisible, scattered across many sources, and often behind a paywall. Since then, increased access to the internet has not improved the situation. Although big search engines will bring back multiple results, they only scratch the surface of what is produced, particularly by community-based organisations.
Find the evidence at www.drugsandalcohol.ie
We know that information on alcohol- and drug-related issues can be found in a wide range of sources, most obviously in the literature on substance use and addiction, but also in literature on physical and mental health, suicide, trauma, homelessness, deprivation, education, crime and justice, economics, social care and so much more. We, in the drugs library, want to systematically capture this valuable information and make it available in one place.
Although our primary purpose is to collect Irish-related sources, people need access to a wider perspective, so we collect key international research and information, when it is freely available. We also collect relevant items related to process (non-substance) related addictions such as gambling and gaming.
You can search our digital library collection, which has over 27,000 articles, reports, e-books, news and conference items, parliament debates, audio/podcasts and videos. And, to enable easier access to relevant material, you can also browse our suite of online resources.