Home / Health / Cocaine Epidemic Grips Ireland's Middle Class: Weddings, Pubs, and Workplaces Affected
Cocaine Epidemic Grips Ireland's Middle Class: Weddings, Pubs, and Workplaces Affected
2 Aug
Summary
- Cocaine use surging among older age groups in Ireland
- Cocaine now surpasses opioids as the main illicit problem drug
- Cocaine users have better education and employment backgrounds
According to a recent report, the use of cocaine in Ireland has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, affecting not just the young but also older age groups across all social strata. The drug, once considered a "young person's drug," is now being consumed at weddings, in pubs, and even at work events.
The data shows a 252.6% increase between 2017 and 2024 in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine as their main problem drug. The profile of these users has also shifted, with the median age now 34 and them more likely to be in employment and have a higher level of education than users did in 2017.
The impact of this surge in cocaine use has been devastating, with users facing adverse health effects, including heart attacks, and even selling personal belongings to fund their habit. Families have also been deeply affected, with one woman describing how her brother's cocaine use has isolated him from loved ones and led to the breakdown of his marriage.
Experts warn that the widespread availability and social acceptability of cocaine have contributed to its growing popularity, with users often not realizing the true cost of their actions. As the crisis continues to unfold, communities and authorities in Ireland are grappling with the challenge of addressing this complex and multifaceted issue.
