From Department of Health
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The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan, welcomes the publication of the HRB report on drug treatment services. The report demonstrates the continuing demand for health services to address the harmful effects of drug use, the types of drugs that are most impactful on people who require treatment, and the social factors associated with problematic drug use.
The report shows that 4,206 new people were receiving treatment for drug use in 2021, an increase of 410 since 2020, and 227 more than in 2019.
Noting the considerable work done to provide these services, Minister Feighan said:
"The increased provision of treatment services reflects the government’s commitment to a public health response to drug use and the allocation of additional resources to services in 2021. I want to commend the resilience of drug services during the COVID-19 pandemic and their ability to expand services to meet demand following the lifting of public health restrictions."
Minister Feighan also noted the increase in people receiving treatment in the community, with 70% now being treated in outpatient facilities.
He said:
"The provision of healthcare services in the community is a key tenet of the Sláintecare approach. I’m committed to expanding the provision of community-based services in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces and the HSE. The Community Services Enhancement Fund provides funding of €2 million with a particular focus on women, ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community."
Minister Feighan also expressed concern about the increase in the demand for services among people who use cocaine and crack cocaine.
The Minister added:
"Strengthening early harm reduction responses to drug use, including cocaine and crack cocaine, is a strategic priority in the National Drugs Strategy. I welcome the HSE led initiative to reduce the health-related harms from cocaine and crack cocaine in four Community Healthcare Organisations, including Dublin, Cork, and Kerry. This initiative includes specific training for staff as well as supports which will help to empower communities to tackle this issue."
Minister Feighan also noted that 40% of people treated for drug use were parents and guardians of children aged 17 years or younger.
Minister Feighan concluded:
"I am concerned about the impact on children and families of parental drug use. We need to provide services for children and families to help them cope with the effects of parental drug use and to support the implementation of the HSE-Tusla good practice guide on hidden harm.
"I would urge anyone with concerns regarding their own drug and alcohol use, or that of a family member or friend, to seek support from your GP, local services or contact the drug and alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459. The helpline provides support, information and guidance for any person who is concerned about their own drug or alcohol use, or that of a family member or friend."
As part of the strategic priority to enhance community-based drugs and alcohol services, the ‘Community Services Enhancement Fund’ was established to provide funding of €2m on a recurring basis for community-based drug and alcohol services. Between €200,000 and €240,000 per annum will be allocated to the nine community healthcare organisations (CHOs), who will then commission community-based drug and alcohol services based on an assessment of population needs.
Minister Feighan provided €850,000 in recurring funding for a HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms associated with the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine.
The funding supports models of best practice in cocaine treatment, including the development of training programmes for addiction service staff nationally. It will also establish targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities worst affected by cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine.
Following successful submissions, initiatives are now up and running in four community health organisations, including Cork, Kerry, and Dublin.
The Department of Health provided an additional €2 million for residential drug and alcohol treatment services in 2021. This funding will provide an additional 100 stabilisation treatment episodes as part of the North East Inner City initiative, a further 150 episodes nationally in tier 4 residential treatment services and 100 treatment episodes in a residential step-up treatment facility for CHOs 3, 4 and 5.
In addition, over €1.3 million is being provided for the establishment of a 20 bed residential therapeutic community for expectant women and women with children in the mid-west region, which will cater for 125 episodes per annum. Altogether, this funding will provide an additional 475 treatment episodes.