Opioid prescriptions in Ireland rise 18% between 2018 and 2025
The drug behind a major US epidemic. The number of opioid prescriptions under Ireland’s public drug schemes increased by 18% between 2018 and 2025, according to an RTÉ Investigates analysis of HSE data. Across the seven years, 17 million opioid prescriptions were recorded under the General Medical Services (GMS), Long Term Illness and Drugs Payment […]
1 month ago
Laughing gas: Kids as young as 12 presenting with medical issues
A total of 209 addiction treatment cases involving nitrous oxide use were recorded during four-year period. More than half of people treated for abuse of “laughing gas” nitrous oxide were under 18, but there is no treatment facility geared towards adolescents and the purchase is still legal in Ireland. Nitrous oxide has a number of […]
1 month ago
Gardaí can now send first-time drug offenders to HSE instead of prosecuting them
The Health Referral Scheme comes into effect from today. Gardaí can now refer people caught with small amounts of drugs for personal use to the HSE rather than prosecuting them, under a new scheme coming into effect on today, September 1. The Health Referral Scheme is aimed at those over 18 who are caught in possession of a small […]
2 months ago
HSE finds high-risk synthetic cannabinoids in vapes sold in Irish shops
The HSE has uncovered a worrying mix of substances An investigation by the HSE’s Emerging Drug Trends Laboratory has uncovered a range of unexpected substances in vapes, vape liquids and edible products being sold across Ireland. Researchers examined 76 vape products, as well as edibles bought from shops in towns and cities and products sourced […]
2 months ago
Where Ireland ranks among Europe’s biggest cocaine users
The biggest consumers have been revealed The 2026 European Drug Report has been released, providing a comprehensive overview of Europe’s drug habits. Included in this ranking was a top 5 of the heaviest cocaine users in Europe, and Ireland does make it into one of the top spots. Meanwhile, for those wondering where the UK […]
5 months ago
HSE issues urgent drug warning ahead of Bank Holiday and festival season
Important information to know. The HSE and Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency (PHA) have issued a joint warning for people who use drugs at festivals and in nightlife settings across the Emerald Isle this summer. As thousands of people in Ireland are expected to travel across the border in both directions to attend festivals this […]
5 months ago