The number of women receiving treatment for cocaine addiction has soared by 426% since 2017, new data from the Health Research Board has found. 

While eight-years ago, there were only 284 cases, by 2024, the number had surged to 1,494. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Trinity Professor and addiction specialist Jo-Hanna Ivers said the figures reflect a change in mindset among many female addicts. 

“It came from a place where remember, women were not showing up for treatment,” she said. 

“So, we’re still in a position where we’re closing a gap… We’re seeing more women present for treatment that need it - but I still think that’s a gap.” 

Professor Ivers explained that for many years, female addicts resisted getting help because they feared what would happen to their children if they did. 

“We’re in a society clearly where a woman will be more stigmatised, particularly a woman who has children,” she said. 

“There’s a perception among women who use drugs that, ‘If I seek treatment, that’s going to trigger some response around child protection.’ 

“As a mother myself, that’s a real concern, you could imagine how that would hold someone back.

“I think those things are changing slowly but not quick enough.” 

Professor Ivers added that if a family need support from social services, it can benefit them. 

“There is a certain amount that has to happen, I think we’re all in agreement on that,” she said. 

“It’s the level of support that women would not get. 

“Again, if you look at a partnership of two people who might be drug users and parents, the same level of stigma is not placed on the man or the father.” 

Teenagers

The second most common main drug was opioids, followed in third place by cannabis; Professor Ivers described this latter drug was particularly common among teenagers. 

“It’s a growing problem, like all of our drug issues,” she said. 

“We’re seeing more and more presentations, more and more need for treatment.

“If you look back at the data, four or five-years ago, you can see that… growth in dependence and addiction happening.

“So, we’re not surprised that, if you’re seeing people who are teenagers reporting cannabis use then in five-years time, you’re probably seeing the same cases with a dependence or an addiction.” 

Treatment

Professor Ivers added that the provision of services is “not equal” across the country, noting that even in Galway, a county with a city, it can be difficult to access treatment. 

“Most of their people who are presenting for treatment, particularly residential or day treatment, they have to go outside of the county,” she said. 

“So, Galway doesn't have day services and they don’t have residential services [where] people are able to be treated for dependence and addiction.” 

If you are struggling with drug addiction, you can call the HSE’s confidential helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Main image: Cocaine. Picture by: Alamy.com.