HRB’s latest figures show 8,798 cases* were treated for problem alcohol use in Ireland in 2025, representing a slight increase compared with 2024.
Almost one-third of cases reported using another drug along with alcohol. Cocaine remains the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol.
In 2025, men accounted for six in ten cases with a median age of 42 years. Women had a median age of 44 years.
Commenting on the findings, HRB Chief Executive, Dr Gráinne Gorman, said:
“Behind each of these figures is a person in need, as well as affected loved ones. By monitoring trends in the demand for alcohol treatment, and the types of drugs people mix with alcohol, the HRB helps to ensure policy and treatment services are tailored to support the best treatment options possible, and reduce the harm caused by problem alcohol use.”
Polydrug use
In 2025, almost one in three cases reported using another drug along with alcohol. The nine-year trend from 2017 to 2025 shows the proportion of cases reporting polydrug use increased from almost 20% in 2017 to 32% in 2025.
The 2025 figures show cocaine (72%) was the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol, followed by cannabis (50%), benzodiazepines (17%), and opioids (10%). The proportion reporting cocaine as an additional drug increased from 42% in 2017 to 72% in 2025.
Dr Anne Marie Carew, Senior Researcher at the HRB, said:
“The use of other drugs alongside alcohol is a concerning trend. We know that mixing substances complicates treatment, can make recovery more difficult, and can also be dangerous to the individual. Our report today provides important evidence which can be used to help tailor policy and service planning in line with new trends like this.”
Key trends over time (2017–2025)
Overall, alcohol treatment demand has increased over the nine-year period, reaching its highest level in 2025 with 8,798 cases treated.
The profile of alcohol use severity has shifted over time, with the proportion of cases classified as alcohol dependent** decreasing from 72% in 2017 to 49% in 2025, alongside increases in both hazardous (almost 10% to 16%) and harmful use (16% to 30%).
Median alcohol consumption levels have decreased over time, while the proportion of cases consuming alcohol daily increased from 43% in 2017 to 58% in 2025.
The treatment population has continued to age, with the median age increasing from 41 years in 2017 to 43 years in 2025.
The proportion of males treated for alcohol as a main problem decreased from 65% in 2017 to 60% in 2025.
Commenting on the levels of alcohol use, Dr Anne Marie Carew said:
“We are seeing clear changes in drinking patterns. While fewer people are presenting with alcohol dependence, more are entering treatment with harmful or hazardous use. This suggests earlier engagement with services, which can improve outcomes, but it also highlights the need for strong prevention and early intervention. The earlier people engage with treatment services the more successful outcomes are likely to be.
“This data also highlights the importance of early prevention, because patterns established in youth can have long-term consequences.”
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Suzanne Kenny, Communications Officer, Health Research Board
e skenny@hrb.ie m 085 850 0494
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Health Research Board (HRB) is Ireland’s lead funding agency supporting innovative health research and delivering data and evidence that improves people’s health and patient care. We are committed to putting people first, and ensuring data and evidence are used in policy and practice to overcome health challenges, advance health systems, and benefit society and economy.
Alcohol Treatment Demand in Ireland 2025 is the latest annually updated bulletin from HRB’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) on cases of treated problem alcohol use in Ireland. It covers the nine-year period of 2017-2025. The information assists policy makers, service planners and public health practitioners to develop appropriate responses to problem alcohol use.
*Case: refers to a treatment episode and not one person. This means the same person could be counted more than once in a calendar year if they had more than one treatment episode that year.
** Dependent drinking: this involves a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological symptoms. Typically, includes a strong desire to consume alcohol, impaired control over its use, persistent drinking despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drinking than to other activities and obligations, increased alcohol tolerance. Also, notably, a physical withdrawal reaction when alcohol use is discontinued.
