Alcohol dependence down but more treated for harmful use

Alcohol-related treatment cases in Ireland have seen a notable shift in recent years, according to the latest data released by the Health Research Board. In 2025, a total of 8,798 individuals received treatment for problem alcohol use, marking a slight increase from the previous year’s figure of 8,745. While this represents a marginal growth in overall numbers, the nature of these cases has evolved significantly over time. A key finding is that fewer patients now present with full-blown alcohol dependence, while more are being treated for harmful or hazardous use. This change reflects a broader transformation in how alcohol misuse is being addressed within the healthcare system.

Over the past nine years, from 2017 to 2025, the overall demand for alcohol treatment has risen steadily, peaking in 2025. During this period, the proportion of cases classified as alcohol-dependent has declined from 72 percent in 2017 to 49 percent in 2025. Simultaneously, the percentage of individuals receiving treatment for hazardous or harmful use has grown substantially—rising from nearly 10 percent to 16 percent for hazardous use and from 16 percent to 30 percent for harmful use. These shifts suggest that more people are recognizing their problematic drinking habits earlier and seeking help before reaching severe dependency.

Another significant trend observed is the increase in polydrug use among those undergoing treatment. Almost one-third of all cases in 2025 reported using another substance alongside alcohol, a figure consistent with the previous year. Over the nine-year span, the rate of polydrug use has climbed from approximately 20 percent in 2017 to 32 percent in 2025. Among the substances commonly used in conjunction with alcohol, cocaine emerged as the most prevalent, accounting for 72 percent of such cases. Cannabis followed closely behind at 50 percent, with benzodiazepines and opioids contributing 17 percent and 10 percent respectively. The prevalence of cocaine use as a co-used drug has surged dramatically since 2017, rising from 42 percent to 72 percent over the period.

Demographic factors also play a role in understanding these developments. Men continue to constitute the majority of treatment cases, making up six in ten instances in 2025, with a median age of 42 years. For women, the median age was slightly higher at 44 years. The average age of those seeking treatment has gradually increased, moving from a median of 41 years in 2017 to 43 years in 2025. This aging demographic indicates that alcohol misuse is becoming increasingly prevalent among middle-aged adults rather than younger populations.

Despite the growing number of individuals accessing treatment, the data underscores the complexity of addressing alcohol-related issues. Dr. Anne Marie Carew, a senior researcher at the Health Research Board, emphasized that while fewer people are presenting with alcohol dependence, the increase in those seeking help for harmful or hazardous use points to a positive trend in early engagement with services. She highlighted that early intervention can lead to better recovery outcomes and stressed the importance of implementing robust prevention strategies to address the root causes of alcohol misuse.

Looking ahead, experts anticipate that continued monitoring and targeted interventions will be crucial in managing the evolving landscape of alcohol use in Ireland. As the patterns of consumption and associated risks change, public health officials must adapt their approaches to ensure effective support systems are in place for those affected by alcohol-related problems. The data serves as a reminder that while progress has been made in identifying and treating harmful drinking behaviors, ongoing efforts are necessary to prevent further escalation of these issues.