A Dublin treatment clinic reports that there has been a marked increase in the number of patients arriving with gambling or cocaine addictions, as well as cases of multiple addiction, reports RTE.
The Rutland Centre reported “a dramatic surge” in the number of patients seeking treatment for various addictions in its annual report for 2023.
“62% of individuals now presenting with multiple addictions, a significant increase from 48% in 2022,” the research stated, reports RTE.
“Notably, there has been a sharp rise in poly-addiction cases, with 20% of individuals struggling with three or more substances or behaviours.”
The research stated that the results indicate a “alarming trend” and recommended more “comprehensive and multifaceted” therapy for these instances.
Additionally, it discovered that about 16% of its clients sought cocaine addiction therapy, which it claimed was consistent with data released by the Health Research Board (HRB), reports RTE.
The HRB revealed earlier this year that between 2017 and 2023, the consumption of crack cocaine climbed by 594% and powder cocaine by 197%.
According to the HRB, cocaine accounted for over half (46%) of all new cases in 2023, making it the most prevalent primary drug.
According to the HRB, 4,923 instances with cocaine as the primary issue were reported in 2023.
“A key objective” for the Rutland Centre is to build a resource specifically for cocaine addiction, reports RTE.
In the meanwhile, gambling addiction accounted for 20% of outpatient admissions at the Rutland Centre.
It stated that in order to meet “this growing need,” it intends to launch an outpatient programme just for gamblers, reports RTE.
At the Rutland Centre, alcoholism is still the most common addiction, though.
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