Report Highlights Extent of Problem Drug Use in Cork City and Calls for Enhanced Support Services

A newly published report, Problem Drug Use in Cork City: A Study on Prevalence and Harms, has revealed that over 850 people in Cork City are problematic opioid users, with nearly one-third not currently accessing available treatment services.

Commissioned by HSE South West and Cork City Council, the report marks the first in-depth study of problem drug use (PDU) in Cork outside of national or Dublin-focused research. Conducted by University College Cork’s (UCC) School of Public Health, with support from the Health Research Board and National Suicide Research Foundation, the study highlights significant challenges in addressing drug-related harm in the region.

Findings and Concerns

The research estimates that 859 individuals in Cork City were problematic opioid users in 2022. Alongside opioids such as heroin, the study identified growing concerns over increased use of cocaine (including crack cocaine), amphetamines, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and gabapentinoids.

Between 2018 and 2021, there were 487 self-harm presentations linked to PDU, while an average of 35 drug-related deaths occurred annually in the city. Opioids were the primary drug implicated in 75.7% of poisoning deaths, followed by benzodiazepines (59.3%), gabapentinoids (27.9%), and cocaine (14.3%).

Speaking about the significance of the findings, David Lane, HSE General Manager for Social Inclusion, stated:

"This marks the culmination of many years of hard work involving a large number of key stakeholders. The HSE team work every day to support problematic drug users, but to solve addiction issues, we also need reliable research to guide us in planning supports and services.

This eagerly anticipated report is a milestone that strengthens the region’s commitment to supporting vulnerable people and providing compassionate, community-based recovery services."

Service Gaps and Need for Intervention

The report underlines a disconnect between problem drug users and treatment programmes, with one-third of opioid users not engaging with available supports.

Dr Seán Millar, UCC, co-study lead, emphasised this concern:

"Importantly, our study suggests that almost one-third of opioid users in Cork city are unknown to treatment services."

This gap in service engagement poses serious public health risks, including increased criminal activity, drug-related litter, infectious disease transmission through shared needles, substance use disorders, overdoses, and deaths.

Dr Michael Byrne, UCC, another co-study lead, noted:

"Cork city has a variety of harm reduction services that deal with education, assessment, treatment, and post-treatment support. However, the disconnect between problem drug users and these programmes may benefit from additional services. Ongoing research will be crucial for effective service planning and for policymakers to evaluate the impact of harm reduction strategies."

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

The report calls for enhanced support systems, recognising that many individuals affected by addiction come from backgrounds of poverty, homelessness, low education levels, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

David Lane reiterated the HSE’s commitment to long-term recovery strategies:

"HSE South West believes that recovery is possible when individuals are given the right support and tools, and we witness the transformative power of recovery every day.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilled and productive life, our services take a therapeutic approach—addressing the socio-economic and environmental factors that contribute to substance use.

Our goal is to break generational cycles of addiction and disadvantage, offering a pathway to lasting recovery and renewed hope."

A Call for Action

As the first city-specific study outside Dublin, this research sets a precedent for future data-driven approaches to tackling problem drug use in Ireland. The findings serve as a critical resource for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organisations working to reduce drug-related harm and ensure accessible, effective treatment options for those in need.

The full report can be accessed at: www.drugsandalcohol.ie/42736