HSE Press Release
Friday, 16 June 2023
· Report shows twice as many people are treated for problem opioid use than any other drug
Today (Friday, 16 June 2023), the HSE National Social Inclusion Office has launched the third instalment of their Drug Insights Report series: ‘Drug Treatment in Ireland: Key Patterns and Trends: 2014 - 2021’.
The report was developed due to the identification that a number of patients who were receiving Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) were being missed in the recordings of the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) as a result of the non-return of forms from certain sectors. As there is an additional statutory requirement for OAT cases to be recorded on a Central Treatment List (CTL), there is a concern that some service providers are opting to record data for OAT on the “statutory” CTL and omitting the NDTRS.
This report combines data from both the NDTRS and CTL to provide a comprehensive overview of the current treatment provision for people experiencing problems with drugs in Ireland.
The HSE regards this report as complimentary to NDTRS reports and looks forward to continuing to its collaboration with the NDTRS and the Health Research Board (HRB). The report recommends that a process for integrating drug treatment data to facilitate ongoing analysis and the production of annual results for all available data sources should be developed by collaboration between the HSE Addiction Services and the HRB.
Dr David Evans, Research and Data Officer, HSE National Social Inclusion Office, said: “By combining data from two sources, the report shows that approximately twice as many people are treated for problem opioid use than any other drug. This is a significant level of service provision and has implications for future resource allocation.”
Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services, said: “I am pleased to be able to present this third Drugs Insight report that provides clear information on the number of people receiving treatment for drug related problems in Ireland.
“We hope to produce such a report on an annual basis and will work with the HRB to progress recommendations in the report”.
Meanwhile, for information and support in relation to substance use go to www.drugs.ie or call the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Last updated on: 19 / 06 / 2023
