In a recently compiled report ‘Trends in treated problem drug use in Ireland 2005 to 2010’, the Health Research Board has exposed frightening hike in the number of cases seeking help of drug treatment programmes. The report has notified a 52% hike in the past six years.

An analysis of available figures has exposed that during the last year; more than 1,253 cases blamed cannabis as their main problem drug as compared to 1,172 involving opiates. Further, the data has suggested more than 7,878 cases seeking treatment in 2010.

However, the majority of people have still pinpointed heroin as the topmost problematic drug. Heroin alone accounts for around 61% of such cases, where one out of five victims blamed cannabis and 11% cases blamed cocaine for their problems.

“The high proportion of cases using multiple problem substances is a challenge for service providers as this group often requires repeated episodes of treatment over time”, added an expert Delphine Bellerose, who drafted the report, while insisting that the majority of cases struggled with addictions to several drugs simultaneously. Further, she notified that more than two-third cases marked cannabis, alcohol, cocaine and benzodiazepines as the major cause of their problems.

Experts have expressed disappointment over the figures. During the last six years, Ireland witnessed a 52% hike in the number of people looking for any assistance and treatment from rehabilitation units.

The report authors have attempted to depict the number of new cases as well as the number of all cases, authentically. Drug usage was observed as a common trend among youngsters especially people aged between 15 and 64. South East, the North Dublin and the Southern region have reflected the highest number of drug treatment cases.