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IrelandCulture4 days ago

Why is crack cocaine use soaring in Ireland?

The article discusses the rising use of crack cocaine in Ireland, citing a significant increase in treatment demand—up by 31% in a single year and over 900% since a decade ago, according to the Health Research Board. It attributes this rise to the drug's low cost and widespread availability, with some rocks selling for as little as €10. The piece also highlights the personal struggles of individuals affected by addiction and features Dawn Russell, CEO of Ana Liffey, a harm reduction organization, who provides insight into the factors driving the surge and the nature of recovery.

17 Jun 2026

Why is crack cocaine use soaring in Ireland?

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For years, the conversation around problem drug use in Ireland centred on heroin. But on the streets of Dublin and beyond, a different drug has taken hold. Treatment demand for crack cocaine rose by 31% in a single year - and by more than 900% over the last decade - according to the latest figures from the Health Research Board. Those working on the frontline say the drug's cheap price and sheer availability are driving the increase, with a single rock selling for as little as €10. But behind the statistics are people, and the question of how someone caught in the grip of one of the most addictive drugs out there finds their way back out. Dawn Russell, chief executive of Ana Liffey, one of Ireland's leading harm reduction organisations, joins us to explain what's driving the surge, and what recovery actually looks like.

Read the full article at TheJournal.ie →
Source document: Health Research Board

1 reports

TheJournal.ieIndependentCenter4 days ago
Why is crack cocaine use soaring in Ireland?

The article discusses the rising use of crack cocaine in Ireland, citing a significant increase in treatment demand—up by 31% in a single year and over 900% since a decade ago, according to the Health Research Board. It attributes this rise to the drug's low cost and widespread availability, with some rocks selling for as little as €10. The piece also highlights the personal struggles of individuals affected by addiction and features Dawn Russell, CEO of Ana Liffey, a harm reduction organization, who provides insight into the factors driving the surge and the nature of recovery.

Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data from an official source (Health Research Board), quotes a representative from a harm reduction organization, and focuses on public health concerns without overtly favoring any political stance. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing facts and expert input.

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  • government Health Research Board

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  • governmentHealth Research Board