The anonymous survey will aim to engage people 18 and over and asks about the types of drugs they use, why and how they use them. The findings from this survey will provide valuable insights into drug use patterns and the diverse groups of people who use drugs in Ireland, including the use of newer drugs to the market.

The survey will be open for Irish participation for a 6-week period starting 22 May. The final results will be used to inform EU and Irish research, drug policy and the development of harm reduction responses in Ireland.

Brian Galvin, from the Health Research Board said:

“This initiative aims to gather current information on the most recent drug trends nationally. Focusing on aspects such as commonly used drugs, purchasing behaviours, and motivations for drug use, the survey offers a crucial snapshot of prevalence, trends, and attitudes among people who use drugs.  The insights from this survey will be invaluable for policymakers to better understand behaviours, develop effective policies, plan new initiatives and monitor impacts”.

In the last survey in 2021, almost 6,000 Irish respondents, shared their experiences with a range of drugs, including on re-emerging trends at that point in time such as nitrous oxide and psychedelic mushrooms.

Nicki Killeen HSE National Social Inclusion Office:

“It is an extremely important time to conduct research on drug use in Ireland. We know that the landscape has significantly changed with more people now using drugs who may never have received drug education, information or support.

We hope to understand a number of key areas specific to Ireland, such as the use of ketamine which is increasing but missing from other areas of research. The Irish specific sections will focus on drug information, harm reduction and support needs, drug use in nightlife and the HSE Safer Nightlife Programme as well as on the substance HHC which we currently know very little about”

An extremely important element of this survey is asking people if they would use the HSE Safer Nightlife and ‘Back of house’ drug monitoring programme”

Over 30 countries will take part in this year’s survey which is being coordinated by the EMCDDA. Findings will help to create a clearer picture of drug use across regions.

For information and support relating to your own or someone else’s drug use, go to www.drugs.ie or Freephone the HSE Helpline on 1800 459 459 Monday – Friday 9:30 – 5:30 or email helpline@drugs.ie