24th October 2025
Why a tax-hike on e-cigarettes is prompting vapers to bulk buy
Claire Brock asked Mark Murphy, Senior Policy Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation and Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director and Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic their views on the pending tax increase on vaping liquids. It is Dr McGovern’s contention that increasing taxes will not reduce youth use and is likely to adversely effect smokers who are using e-cigarettes to quit a lifelong habit.
Listen to the RTE Drivetime interview Here
23rd October 2025
‘Secret ketamine addiction killed my daughter’
The mother of a young woman who spent months in excruciating pain before her death has issued an urgent warning about the dangers of ketamine. Beth Ashton, 25, weighed less than her four-year-old sister, had a perforated lung and her bladder had “completely collapsed” by the time she died last November. Natalie Tolan, from Skelmersdale in Lancashire, said she was “blindsided” by how quickly the Class B drug ravaged her daughter’s body and has now dedicated her life to spreading awareness. Ketamine abuse is on the rise and addiction rehab abd treatment services need to be upscaled to meet the demand for new presentations.
Read the BBC new article Here
22nd October 2025
Alcohol made up 50% of presentations at Cork & Kerry addiction treatment centre
Read the Echo Live article Here
21st October 2025
‘Explosion’ in use of crack cocaine among mothers in parts of south Dublin, experts say
Areas of Dublin have seen a steep rise in the use of crack cocaine, particularly among mothers and other women, according to research by the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce. “In recent years, we had an explosion of crack-cocaine use and it’s not decreased since,” Grace Hill, co-ordinator of the taskforce. “We’re seeing an increase across the board of cocaine use among women and mothers, in line with data nationally and around the EU. It’s been climbing for some time and it’s very concerning. Crack cocaine dependence needs a tailored addiction rehab and treatment approach.
Read the Sunday World article Here
20th October 2025
One in four inmates receiving methadone for opioid addiction at Mountjoy Prison
Almost one in four inmates at Mountjoy Prison is receiving methadone for opioid addiction, new figures have revealed. The proportion is highest among inmates in the women’s prison at the Mountjoy campus, where 40 per cent of prisoners are receiving methadone or a similar drug for addiction to opioids such as heroin. Over one in five inmates at the men’s prison is currently receiving methadone as part of Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), according to data contained in tender documents published by the Irish Prison Service (IPS).
Read the Breaking News article Here
17th October 2025
Charity Spotlight: Innovative menopause service for women who are homeless or living with addiction
Reproductive health is recognised as a priority public health issue by the Scottish Government, including support for menopause and menstrual health. However, women living with addiction or experiencing rough sleeping and other forms of homelessness are missing out on support, according to a leading academic. The Salvation Army is working in partnership with Dr April Shaw, formerly of SACASR (Salvation Army Centre for Addictions Services Research) at the University of Stirling, and currently at the University of the West of Scotland, on an innovative programme to raise awareness of the menopause among women living with addiction or in recovery, the workers who support them and healthcare professionals, providing addiction rehab and treatment support.
Read the Scottish Housing News article Here
16th October 2025
Global drug addiction mortality rates double despite fewer new cases
Drug addiction is a looming public health problem, triggering a recent review on the worldwide situation using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. The paper appeared in Frontiers in Psychiatry and underscores the need for readily available access to addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the News Medical Life Sciences article Here
15th October 2025
Ketamine-related admissions doubled at Surrey addiction centre
A Surrey addiction rehab and treatment centre say they have seen numbers double for people being referred with Ketamine addictions since 2020. Primrose Lodge in Guildford, which is part of UKAT, has revealed ketamine admissions this year are already the highest on record. As well as this, they say they have seen people as young as 18 becoming addicted to ketamine. Johnny Bigachi, who is the manager at the centre, says that he has noticed a surge in patients arriving with ketamine as their primary addiction.
Read the Hello Rayo article Here
14th October 2025
Limerick woman who beat heroin addiction now helps others find hope
Childhood trauma led Stacey Quin to numb her pain with drugs when she was just 14 years old. By 18, Quin, from Southill, Limerick, was pregnant with her first child, addicted to heroin, and sleeping on the streets.She hit rock bottom and had ratcheted up a raft of petty theft convictions. “By the time I was 18, I was hooked on heroin, I was doing my leaving cert, and I was sick with aches and pain in my body,” Quin said. Thanks to the right addiction rehab and treatment option she is now in active recovery.
Read the Kildare Nationalist article Here
13th October 2025
Inside the alcohol industry’s global campaign to delay Ireland’s world-first health labels
In 2018 Ireland passed a law that should have put it at the forefront of global public health policy – cigarette-style cancer warnings on alcohol. The Public Health (Alcohol) Act would impose warning labels on every single alcoholic can and bottle. The message would simply read: “There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers.” After years of wrangling with Brussels, the plan finally received EU clearance in 2022 and was due to take effect in 2026. Ireland has a longstanding problem with alcohol and a strong public health policy which includes legislation as well as readily available alcohol addiction rehab and treatment facilities for people who develop a problematic pattern of drinking.
Read The Journal.ie article Here
10th October 2025
Former Olympian says he snorted cocaine off his London 2012 gold medal
Sir Bradley won the 2012 Tour de France race, becoming the first Brit to do so, and won gold for Great Britain at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games. But after retiring from cycling in 2016 following his Olympic success, Sir Bradley fell into a cocaine-fuelled drug addiction. Speaking to The Times ahead of the release of his upcoming autobiography The Chain, Sir Bradley opened up about a range of topics, including his addiction and recovery, and sexual abuse he’d experienced as a child. With the right addiction rehab support and treatment Wiggins found a way out of his addiction and is now in active recovery.
Read the One News article Here
9th October 2025
MSPs vote against legal right to addiction treatment
A bill that would have given people with drug and alcohol addictions the legal right to rehab addiction treatment has been rejected by the Scottish Parliament. Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who tabled the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill, said the legislation would have saved lives. However, opponents said the proposals risked overburdening already stretched services. Parliament voted by 63 votes to 52 to reject the bill.
Read the BBC News article Here
8th October 2025
Scientists find brain circuit that traps alcohol users in the vicious cycle of addiction
Addiction often isn’t about chasing pleasure—it’s about escaping pain. Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered that a tiny brain region called the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) becomes hyperactive when animals learn that alcohol eases the agony of withdrawal. This circuit helps explain why people relapse: their brains learn that alcohol brings relief from stress and anxiety. Relapse prevention programmes can help people by dealing with triggers for relapse.
Read the Science Daily News article Here
7th October 2025
‘Addiction is messy, chaotic and takes your soul’
A former drug addict, whose addiction had a “traumatic” effect on his family, has said he wants to help others going through the same thing. Andrew Deane-Williams, 47, from Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, battled with alcohol and drug addiction from his early teens, but said it was the impact on his “broken family” later in life that really struck him. Now he is launching a new charity, called Broken Chains UK, to support children and young people whose parents are dealing with drug addiction. Addiction rehab and treatment are essential components of an effective recovery programme.
Read the BBC News article Here
6th October 2025
‘I was a shopping addict – it needs to be taken more seriously’
Surrounded by racks of shirts, dresses and jumpers, Lucy tells me that she could spend up to 14 hours a day searching out new clothes as an escape from reality. The 37-year-old’s life may sound like a dream, but Lucy is clear that excessive shopping damaged her life. At one point, Lucy found herself not paying her bills so she could continue to buy clothes. “It’s like a physical and an emotional drowning. I have felt like I’m just under a weight of clothes constantly,” she says. Oniomania or compulsive buying disorder is an addiction that requires tailored addiction rehab and treatment interventions.
Read the BBC News article Here
3rd October 2025
Will the Benzodiazepine Wars Ever End?
First released in the early 1960s, benzodiazepines quickly became the most widely prescribed medications in the world.1 By the 1970s, they had become the most controversial as well. Newspaper headlines such as, “A New Kind of Drug Abuse Epidemic,” appeared, followed by the international best-selling tale of benzodiazepine addiction, I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can. Benzodiazepine addiction requires readily accessible addiction and rehab treatment services.
Read the Psychiatric Times article Here
2nd October 2025
Smart patch reduces cravings for alcohol and drugs
A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham and Harvard shows that a non-drug, wearable device can help people with substance use disorders manage stress, reduce cravings, and lower their risk of relapse in real time. The results are published in JAMA Psychiatry. This is a very exciting development in the management of alcohol dependence.
Read the Harvard Gazette article Here
1st October 2025
Time for government to stop turning a blind eye to alcohol’s role in domestic violence
With a new national strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) due next year, and with the Programme for Government stating that alcohol licensing laws are set to be updated – both of which fall within the remit of Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan – Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), the national independent advocate to reduce alcohol harm, along with representatives from the SAOL Project and MOVE (Men Overcoming Violence), are going to Leinster House tomorrow (Thursday, 2 October, 11am-12) to brief TDs, Senators, and political staff on the importance of recognising the role of alcohol in DSGBV. A strong alcohol policy at national level allied to ready access to alcohol addiction rehab and treatment services are essential tools in combatting the perils of alcohol dependence.
Read the alcohol Ireland article Here
30th September 2025
As sports betting explodes, should states set more limits to stop gambling addiction?
It’s hard to promote moderation and financial discipline from the bowels of a casino. But that’s what Massachusetts state workers try to do every day, amid the clanging bells and flashing lights of the slot machines. At the MGM Springfield in western Massachusetts, these workers, wearing green polos, stand outside their small office, right off the casino floor. Sensible gambling policy with restrictions and gambling addiction rehab and treatment services provide the best way to help people who may run into trouble.
Read the article www.npr.org Here
29th September 2025
Laws on advertising ‘zero-alcohol’ drinks ‘long overdue’
The introduction to the Dáil this week of a Bill designed to protect children from the harmful marketing practices of the alcohol industry is welcome but long overdue, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) has said. The Public Health (Alcohol) (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to amend the 2018 Act by restricting how the industry promotes ‘zero-alcohol’ versions of their products. The proposed legislation would prohibit these drinks from being advertised with trade descriptions, logos, emblems or other images already used in alcohol drinks, to prevent the indirect promotion of that alcohol product. Strong national alcohol policy allied to accessible addiction rehab and treatment services for people with alcohol problems are important components of a good overall alcohol strategy.
Read the IMT.ie article Here
26th September 2025
‘When the fun stops, stop.’ Addiction experts consider the rise of gambling in the UK a test case
If you walk around Blackpool, England — a one-time seaside resort on the west coast of England — you see carnival rides, a flashy boardwalk and a handful of neon-marketed casinos and arcades. Some call it the Las Vegas of Britain on the basis of betting opportunities per square mile. NEPM’s Karen Brown spent a weekend in Blackpool, hoping it might serve as a trial-by-fire to learning about gambling in Britain. And within 15 minutes, she said she managed to lose her entire 20-pound budget (about $27) on roulette machines at the Coral Island Casino. Gambling addiction is on the rise in the UK and it requires appropriate legislation and gambling addiction treatment and rehab services to reduce the negative impact on people and their families.
Read the world.org article Here
25th September 2025
Minister Donohoe signs commencement order for the E-liquid Products Tax
The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, has signed the commencement order to operationalise the E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), as legislated for in Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Finance Act 2024. The new excise duty will apply from 1 November 2025. The introduction of EPT underlines Ireland’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health and tackling the increasing consumption of vapes and related products, particularly among young people. It could be argued that an age restriction with proper penalties for vendors who break the law should be enough. This legislation is likely negatively impact those who are trying to switch from smoking to e-cigarettes the most.
Read the E-Liquid Products article Here
24th September 2025
What’s delaying the rollout of alcohol health labelling on bottles & cans?
Analysis: Health labelling is one of a suite of measures aiming to reduce alcohol consumption levels and associated harms in Ireland. The recent decision to delay the introduction of health labelling of alcohol products in Ireland is a timely reminder that policy enactment does not necessarily guarantee the speedy implementation of policy measures. Estimates indicate that an average of four deaths every day in Ireland are alcohol related and about 1,000 alcohol-related cancers are diagnosed each year.
Read the RTE Brainstorm article Here
23rd September 2025
Four Four drug education series: ketamine
22nd September 2025
High-Intensity Exercise May Protect Against Cocaine Addiction
A new study shows that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate exercise at protecting adolescent lab animals from cocaine use. Animals exposed to HIIT developed a preference for non-drug environments and an aversion to cocaine, linked to increases in ΔFosB, a molecular switch involved in addiction. This is an exciting development in cocaine addiction rehab and treatment support.
Read the Neurosciencenews.com article Here
19th September 2025
Alcohol use rising among young people
Alcohol consumption among 15-24 year olds is rising, with three-in-four people in this group using the drug last year, new figures show. A report from Alcohol Action Ireland found that, while drinking among young people declined from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, since 2015 that downward trend has reversed with consumption by 15- to 24-year-olds increasing from 66 per cent in 2018 to 75 per cent in 2024. This is a worrying trend and addiction rehab and treatment services must be available to meet this need.
Read the IMT.ie article Here
18th September 2025
Breaking New Ground in Alcohol Use Disorder Research: UT Health Science Center Scientist Awarded Nearly $400K Grant
For many families, Alcohol Use Disorder is more than a diagnosis – it is a daily struggle marked by loss, relapse, and unanswered questions. Despite decades of research, the biology of why some people become tolerant and dependent on alcohol, and how to stop it, remains one of medicine’s most pressing mysteries. A new intervention provides another potential option in alcohol addiction and rehab that could help many sufferers.
Read the uthsc.edu article Here
17th September 2025
Quitting smoking linked to better recovery from drug and alcohol addiction
Adults who smoke cigarettes and are addicted to alcohol or other drugs were more likely to achieve sustained remission of their substance use disorder symptoms if they also quit smoking, according to scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Based on their analysis of data from a large U.S. study of smoking and health, researchers believe the results clearly show the benefit of pairing smoking cessation with addiction recovery efforts. This could offer great potential to people who smoke who suffer from other addictions as part of their addiction rehab and treatment journey.
Read the News Medical Life Sciences article Here
16th September 2025
Stress Relief, Not Pleasure, Drives Alcohol Relapse
What compels someone to keep engaging in alcohol use, even if it damages their health, relationships and wellbeing? A new study from Scripps Research offers an important clue: a small midline brain region plays a key role in how animals learn to continue drinking to avoid the stress and misery of withdrawal. This is is an important study to help understand the triggers that can result in symptoms of alcohol dependence and be helpful in alcohol rehab and treatment approaches.
Read the technologynetworks.com article Here
15th September 2025
Danish Minister warns against children gambling in schools
Denmark’s Minister of Taxation, Rasmus Stoklund, has laid bare the extent of problem gambling in the country. The Ministry warned approximately 500,000 Danes “have some degree of gambling problems”, and said that gambling has become “an integral part of everyday life for many people” – including children who gamble during school hours. As a result, Stoklund has called on the parties in the Danish Parliament to enter negotiations over the country’s regulatory framework. Gambling addiction is a pervasive problem that requires robust legislation as well as gambling addiction rehab and treatment services, which are readily available.
Read the iGamingexpert.com article Here
12th September 2025
Cork City to become ‘safer’ site under new alcohol strategy for Cork and Kerry
The most frequent alcohol-related hospitalisations in Cork and Kerry are due to “mental and behavioural disorders” and liver disease, according to an alcohol strategy for the region. Cork is among the counties with the greatest number of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) hospitalisations in the country, with the most recent figures recording 511 cases in 2022. Problematic alcohol use is prevalent in Ireland and there are public health strategies which can reduce this toll, including minimum unit pricing, stricter laws around alcohol advertising as well as ready access to addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
11th September 2025
Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE’s National Clinical Lead on Addiction Services talks about vaping cannabinoids
Professor Eamon Keenan talked to Claire Byrne about vaping synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids are a reflection of the changing illicit market and the availability of a wide variety of synthetic cannabinoids with uncertain effects.
Listen to the Morning Ireland interview Here
10th September 2025
Minister Butler publishes findings of public consultation on Ireland’s new suicide reduction plan
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. has published the findings of a public consultation to inform Ireland’s next suicide reduction strategy, on World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. This year’s theme calls on people, communities, organisations and government to foster open, honest conversations about suicide. The public consultation, which ran from March to April 2025, received 1,895 responses from individuals and organisations across all 26 counties of Ireland. The link between addiction and suicide risk is well established and this underscores the need for dual diagnosis services which provide mental health services and addiction rehab and treatment .
Read the Gov.ie article Here
9th September 2025
Pancreatic Cancer: Cigarette Smoke May Fuel Tumor Growth and Spread
A new study has shed light on how cigarette smoking can worsen pancreatic cancer. It has long been understood that there was a link between smoking and pancreatic cancer, but the exact mechanism was unclear. Now, a group of scientists has discovered that certain chemicals in cigarette smoke actually reprogram the immune system in a way that helps tumors grow and spread. This could point to new treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, which currently has very few options. Smoking is a well established risk factor for pancreatic cancer development and highlights the importance of smoking prevention programmes in young people as well as increasing access to all forms of smoking cessation treatment as well as safer nicotine products.
Read the Healthline.com article Here
8th September 2025
Fear ‘cocaine kits’ sold in Dublin shops will ‘encourage’ young to try drugs
A former Garda has urged the Government to quickly ban shops from selling so-called ‘cocaine kits’ in order to prevent them “encouraging” young people to take drugs. The kits are being legally sold in Dublin and contain a mirror, razor blade, snorting tube, vial and metal spoon – all of which are designed to make the highly addictive drug easier to consume. An alternative view might be that like statutory harm reduction services that provide sterile drug using paraphernalia to cocaine and heroin users, this services may make cocaine use safer.
Read the Newstalk article Here
5th September 2025
Semaglutide may one day be used to treat cocaine addiction
A drug already prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity may one day be used to treat cocaine addiction. In animal studies, researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, found that semaglutide reduced both cocaine use and relapse. One of the world’s most prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes and obesity, semaglutide also reduced rats’ motivation to keep taking cocaine. Scientists believe the drug may blunt cocaine’s ability to raise dopamine levels in the brain, lowering the sense of reward. Exactly how semaglutide works in the brain is still not fully understood. This is very good news and for an addiction where pharmacological agents, as part of an addiction rehab and treatment programme, are sadly lacking.
Read the News Medical Life Sciences article Here
4th September 2025
The Hidden Signs of Gambling Addiction
In this Health Minute report, reporter Mandy Gaither explores gambling addiction with experts from the American Gaming Association and National Council on Problem Gambling. Learn to identify critical warning signs including constantly thinking about betting, needing to wager larger amounts, and feeling restless when trying to stop. The report reveals how problem gambling can escalate from a social activity to severe consequences including bankruptcy, legal troubles, job loss, family breakdown, and even suicidal thoughts. This pervasive addiction needs addiction rehab and treatment interventions.
Read the nbcpalmsprings.com article Here
3rd September 2025
Nova Scotia advocate sounds alarm about young people and online gambling addiction
A problem gambling support advocate is sounding the alarm about a surge in addiction stemming from online gambling. Carey Murphy, who founded the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society, says increased access to digital gambling platforms is having an impact on young people. And Murphy knows full well the effects of gambling addiction. “The casino opened and it just blew my world apart,” he said. Murphy is open about how he overcame gambling addiction, with addiction rehab and treatment, years ago and started his non-profit group to help others.
Read the Global News.ca article Here
2nd September 2025
Lulu Admits Secret Battle With Alcoholism
Lulu has admitted that she had become a “secret drinker” later in life, having shared her recent battle with alcohol addiction.The Scottish singer said in an interview that she had recently becoming increasing dependant on drinking wine following some huge life changing moments, including hitting the menopause, as well as losing her parents and her children leaving home. Lulu also went on to describe alcohol as a “family illness” and said “the gene is there”, with her father being an alcoholic. However, she said that nobody noticed the increased role wine had in her life. She got the help she needed through an addiction rehab and treatment programme, an important step in overcoming problematic alcohol use.
Read the Classic Hits article Here
1st September 2025
New Garda Commissioner calls out eco-conscious people who use cocaine despite environmental impact
Commissioner has criticised people who drive “green eco-cars” but also use cocaine as the production of the drug “destroys vast tracts of the Amazon”. In July, Justin Kelly was appointed as Garda Commissioner, taking over the role from Drew Harris. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Kelly said he is “surprised” at the “complete disconnect” between cocaine users and the “damage that’s doing”. It could be argued that Mr Kelly, who believes the Government should resist any attempt to decriminalise drugs is himself disconnect between the criminalisation of people who use drugs and the harm that causes.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
29th August 2025
Ireland’s top organised crime investigator links Irish criminals to Iranian-backed drugs gangs
Ireland’s most senior organised crime investigator has said the main driving force behind large-scale cocaine smuggling around our shores are Irish criminals but that in the background they have aligned with Iranian-backed organised crime gangs. Speaking to The Journal recently, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland – who leads the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) – said Ireland’s own criminal networks are pitching for business with cartels in South America and in the Middle East. Unfortunately this is the consequences of prohibition. A dangerous drug market bot in terms of the purity of drugs as well as the dangers of the market itself. Sensible drug policies would explore decriminalising and regulating drugs as well as providing addiction rehab and treatment support for problematic users.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
28th August 2025
Minister for Health in favour of nicotine pouch ban for children
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said she would “absolutely” be in favour of banning nicotine pouches for under-18s. The pouches, which are the size of a stick of chewing gum and contain nicotine powder of varying doses, are consumed by being placed between the lip and the gum, which releases the nicotine”. This ban is likely to come at the expense of smokers who are trying to quit smoking.
Read the RTE.ie news article Here
27th August 2025
HSE returns to Electric Picnic to identify current drug trends
The HSE Safer Nightlife Harm Reduction Programme returns to Electric Picnic 2025 this weekend. The service includes free and confidential ‘back of house’ drug checking to identify current drug trends and help reduce harms for people who use. Festivalgoers can visit either of the two drugs.ie tents (located in the Electric Arena and Hendrix Campsite) or medical spaces where they can surrender drugs for analysis. These are non-monitored safe spaces where people can discuss a range of issues and submit substances to the HSE for analysis. Initially piloted at Electric Picnic, the programme is now in its fourth year at the festival. It is the first of its kind in Ireland, combining harm reduction advice with drug-checking results from samples submitted by festival goers.
Read the HSE press release Here
26th August 2025
Record low number of Americans report drinking alcohol, and new teetotalers are explaining why
More Americans than ever are choosing not to drink alcohol, according to a new Gallup Poll. Only 54% of respondents to Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits survey conducted last month say they consume alcohol, which is the lowest on record in nearly 90 years. “This coincides with a growing belief among Americans that moderate alcohol consumption is bad for one’s health, now the majority view for the first time,” Gallup said in a press release. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism cites nine body systems impacted by alcohol use. People with alcohol problems require timely interventions in the form of alcohol rehab and treatment.
Read the Fox News article Here
25th August 2025
Mum speaks out about ‘shame’ of husband’s addiction
A mother has urged others affected by addiction in their families not to “suffer in silence”. Jo – not her real name – sought addiction rehab and treatment help from Wiltshire-based charity Families Out Loud when her husband’s alcoholism pushed her to the brink of a nervous breakdown.She said she felt blamed for his addiction and that at one point he needed intensive care, but that the charity gave her counselling and practical support.Jo said: “There’s always hope. Even when someone is in the worst possible place.”
Read the BBC News article Here
22nd August 2025
Fruit flies can help us understand cocaine addiction
For the first time, scientists have created genetically modified fruit flies that can develop an addiction to cocaine. Given the option, these flies will self-administer the drug. This new model may offer a faster way to develop therapies aimed at preventing and treating cocaine use disorder, a serious condition affecting about 1.5 million people in the United States. Novel addiction treatment and rehab options for cocaine are most welcome.
Read the Earth.com news article Here
21st August 2025
Cocaine business: corrupt ship crew members earn €200k to drop drugs off Irish coast, gardaí say
on legitimate cargo ships are being paid up to €200,000 to drop cocaine shipments in the waters off Ireland, the garda who leads the investigations into organised crime has said. The figure gives an indication of the huge amounts of money involved in the lucrative drug smuggling market, even for people at the bottom rungs of the ladder.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
20th August 2025
Call for regulation of ‘laughing gas’ due to harm posed to reproductive health
The Government has been urged to take action and regulate the sale of nitrous oxide following its classification by the EU as toxic for human reproduction and the nervous system. Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward, who has been vocal on the issue, has drafted legislation to ban the sale of nitrous oxide to the public and is appealing to the government to cooperate with him and pass the bill. It is essential that people who run in trouble have access to rehab and addiction support programmes.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
19th August 2025
Alcohol addiction drives 77% of West Cork referrals – Coolmine
Alcohol abuse accounted for 77% of all presentations to the addiction treatment centre in Ahiohill – a rate which is 24% higher than the average for other Cork centres. Cocaine follows at 13% with cannabis (6%) the third most prevalent ahead of benzodiazepines (4%). There were no presentations to the West Cork centre seeking treatment for heroin addiction. The Ahiohill centre worked with 55 individuals so far in 2025 – 64% of those male and the remaining 36% female. It reported a 45% retention rate. Alcohol addiction rehab and treatment are essential supports for people with drinking problems.
Read the Southern Star article Here
18th August 2025
Man addicted to gambling at 16-years-old explains gateway that spiralled into addiction
A man who became addicted to gambling after winning big on a bet as a teenager has explained the gateway which triggered his addiction. At just 16 years old, Lewis would place a 50p bet and received a return of a whopping £64,000. The money would transform his life, but not in a good way, as it triggered the start of a gambling addiction. Lewis would lose £40,000 in his attempts to build on the initial windfall, followed by a further £80,000 over the following 11 years as his addiction spiralled further. This story underscores the importance of early intervention for gambling addiction with rehab and treatment services.
Read the LAD Bible article Here
15th August 2025
Booze up: is gen Z’s ‘sensible’ relationship with alcohol moving towards hedonism?
Gen Z have long been hailed as “generation sensible” – dozens of articles have charted how they drink less alcohol, exercise more and eat a more healthy diet. But could that be about to change? Recent data has shown the proportion of gen Z – those born roughly between 1997 and 2012 – who are of legal drinking age and have consumed alcohol in the past six months has increased by 7% between 2024 and 2025. Problematic alcohol use requires tailored addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the Guardian article Here
14th August 2025
‘Gambling addiction cost my sick mum thousands’
The daughter of a woman who became addicted to slot machines and lost thousands while undergoing cancer treatment is calling on the government to introduce tougher controls. Jackie Olden said her late mother Wendy Hughes got hooked after working at a bookmakers where she was asked to play the machines on a free demonstration mode to help drum up customer interest. She said it prompted Ms Hughes, who died from cancer in 2024 at the age of 64, to begin playing slots in her own time before spiralling into debt. Gambling addiction is pervasive and sufferers need ready access to addiction rehab and treatment support.
Read the BBC News article Here
13th August 2025
Public Health Scotland. Public health alert for action: Nitazene-type drugs in Scotland
Nitazenes are a group of synthetic (lab-made) opioids that are now widely detected in all parts of Scotland. Due to their high potency and increasing presence in the drug supply, nitazenes pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death. Nitazenes have been seized in both Scottish communities and custodial settings. They are most commonly detected in drugs sold as: heroin, benzodiazepines, oxycodone. They are often found alongside other drugs, and the risk of harm associated with nitazenes should be addressed in the context of polysubstance use (mixing drugs). This underscores the necessity of readily available opioid rehab and treatment support in the form of opioid substitution treatment, nalaoxone availability and other psychosocial supports.
Read the Public Health Scotland publication Here
12th August 2025
Minister Butler convenes new Cross Government Group to Coordinate Mental Health Policy
A major step toward integrated mental health policy has been taken as Minister for Mental Health and Government Chief Whip, Mary Butler convened the inaugural meeting of a newly formed ‘Interdepartmental Steering Group for Mental Health’. The meeting brought together representatives from 14 government departments, along with the HSE, Mental Health Commission and the OPW. The session was chaired by Siobhán McArdle, Assistant Secretary for Social Care, Mental Health, and Unscheduled Care at the Department of Health. This is a welcome development although dual diagnosis services (addiction rehab and treatment coupled with mental health) are still lacking.
Read the Gov,ie Press release Here
11th August 2025
Terms of Reference – Steering Group established to provide oversight and guidance to the development of the new national drugs strategy
The Steering Group will be established for a period of six months to provide expert opinion and oversee the drafting of the new National Drugs Strategy. The Steering Group will provide a forum in which key stakeholder representatives from government, civil society and persons with lived experience can collaborate to prepare and recommend the vision of a whole of society approach to prevent and mitigate illicit drug use and its impact on individuals, their families and communities. This approach also includes greater addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the Gov.ie press release Here
8th August 2025
Will the Benzodiazepine Wars Ever End?
The controversies swirling around benzodiazepines continue to this day. Some doctors and researchers have labeled benzodiazepines as the “new opioids,” and others speak of wide misuse among prescribers causing an “iatrogenic epidemic.” Scientific publications call out a “benzodiazepine scandal,” describe them as an “overused drug class”5 and wonder, “will we every learn? It is important that people who do develop problems with benzodiazepines are offered help in the form of benzodiazepine rehab tapering programmes.
Read the Psychiatric Times article Here
7th August 2025
Laws and regulations addressing the acceptability, availability and affordability of alcoholic beverages
The WHO Global alcohol action plan 2022-2030 aims to accelerate the implementation of high-impact interventions for alcohol consumption and related harm. Such interventions are often implemented through laws and regulations. This publication seeks to support countries in designing legislation and regulations to effectively implement policies that reduce population-level alcohol consumption and related harm, support compliance monitoring and enable enforcement. These policies together with ready access to alcohol addiction rehab and treatment programmes are essential components of an effective alcohol strategy.
Read the WHO press release Here
6th August 2025
Demographic for cocaine addiction is changing- says Limerick addiction counsellor
Ciaran Carey, an addiction counsellor based in Eastway Business Park says cocaine addiction is becoming all too casual. A Limerick addiction counsellor says there’s been a worrying shift in demographics, looking at cocaine addiction in Ireland. A new report from the Rutland Centre shows that women are making up one of the fastest-growing groups seeking addiction rehab help for cocaine addiction. While men still represent the majority of those treated, one-third of all cocaine related cases now involve women.
Read the Live95 article Here
5th August 2025
Government workers in Manila need protection from online gambling addiction – senator
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Friday raised concern over the growing accessibility of online gambling platforms, warning that government workers are at risk of falling into digital addiction without clear institutional safeguards. .Villanueva called on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to update its policies to protect civil servants from the lure of online gambling, stressing that the shift from physical to digital betting requires responsive measures. Gambling is a pervasive addiction that requires tailored addiction rehab and treatment options.
Read the Philippines News Agency article Here
4th August 2025
Minister Murnane O’Connor announces investment in alcohol treatment services in response to growing demand
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has announced a significant investment in alcohol treatment services. The Department of Health has committed €1 million in 2025, rising to €1.8 million in 2026, to expand and enhance alcohol treatment services across all six Health Service Executive (HSE) health regions for the first time. Ready access t0 alcohol addiction and rehab and treatment services is essential.
Read the gov.ie article Here
1st August 2025
HRB treatment figures underscore urgent need to support alcohol harm’s invisible victims, children
Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), the national independent advocate to reduce alcohol harm, notes with concern the figures contained in the Health Research Board’s (HRB) alcohol treatment report for 2024, published today 31 July 2025. While the headline figures around numbers accessing alcohol treatment are similar to the 2023 report, raising questions as to why has there been so little improvement in alcohol treatment numbers despite the huge chasm between what’s required and what’s currently in place. Alcohol addiction rehab and treatment services need to meet this demand.
Read the HRB.ie article Here
31st July 2025
Minister Murnane O’Connor attends inaugural steering group meeting to oversee the development of the new National Drugs Strategy
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has today attended the inaugural meeting of the steering group established to oversee the development of the successor National Drugs Strategy (NDS). The group has been convened for a limited time period (until December 2025) and has been tasked with overseeing the drafting of a successor national drugs strategy, as well as a two-year action plan to support its delivery. Addiction rehab and treatment investment is an essential component of an evidence based drug policy.
Read the www.gove.ie press release here
30th July 2025
Department of Health. [Department of Health] Ministers for Health announce that HHC is now classified as an illegal drug
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler have announced that the drug Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been categorised as a Schedule 1 controlled drug Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. Whilst banning this substance would appear to be the right move the allure of HHC is reflective of cannabis prohibition.
Read the www.gov.ie article Here
29th July 2025
Diversion scheme for those caught in possession of drugs to be in place by November
The long-awaited diversion scheme for people caught in possession of drugs for personal use is expected to begin before November, the Irish Examiner understands. The health diversion scheme, announced as Government policy almost six years ago, will operate on an “administrative” basis by gardaí under rules agreed with the Director of Public Prosecutions. People who are caught in possession of illicit drugs will be referred to a health committee and if they need further support they will be referred for drug addiction and rehab treatment.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
28th July 2025
Time to face the reality of synthetic drug use among young people
The Government must stop sleepwalking through youth mental health crisis induced by the use of certain drugs. HHC is one of those drugs. It is a synthetic cannabis product, with established links to psychosis and serious mental health damage, and yet it is still being sold legally and openly in this country. Recently, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland issued a stark warning about Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) — that is available without restriction in vape or gummy form. They rightly said it “beggars belief” that such a drug is unregulated. I agree.
For people who develop problems with drug use there should be readily available addiction rehab and treatment support services.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
25th July 2025
Cork man carried out shoplifting spree around city supermarkets to pay for his crack cocaine addiction
A 45-year-old man with a catalogue of shoplifting convictions carried out “to pay for his heroin and crack cocaine addiction” was jailed on Thursday for 11 months for his latest spree of stealing from shops in Cork City. On Thursday, he was given the total sentence of 11 months for what Judge Mary Dorgan described as a recent batch of offences and an earlier batch of offences between February and November 2024. This case highlights the impact of drug addiction and the link with acquisitive crime to finance problematic use. It also underscores the importance of early intervention and addiction rehab and treatment programmes.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
24th July 2025
Consequences of alcohol labelling delay will be felt by ordinary Irish people every day
Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), the national independent advocate to reduce alcohol harm, is disappointed with the news that the government has taken a decision to delay the introduction of alcohol health information labelling, which had been scheduled for May next year, until 2028. Alcohol labelling is a key aspect of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act (2018) (PHAA), which aims to reduce population-level alcohol consumption and to minimise the amount of alcohol marketing children and young people are exposed to. This policy allied to good quality addiction rehab and treatment facilities will reduce alcohol related harm.
Read the AlcholIreland.ie article Here
23rd July 2025
A new vision is needed for Ireland’s biggest drug problem
Alcohol Action Ireland welcomes the publication of the independent evaluation of the National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, 2017-2025. Data included in the report shows that alcohol remains Ireland’s largest drug problem by far. 73% of the population currently consume alcohol compared with 7.3% using any illegal drugs. While there has been some reduction in the level of alcohol use by children, the report also points to high levels of hazardous and binge drinking by international standards particularly among men. Sensible, proportionate alcohol policies alongside readily available access to alcohol addiction rehab and treatment support services are essential components of an overall alcohol harm reduction policy.
Read the AlcoholIreland.ie press release Here
22nd July 2025
Prof Colin O’Gara on the Rise of Cocaine Use in Ireland
Prof. Colin O’Gara, Consultant Addiction psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St John of Gods Hospital was invited to talk to Sean Moncrieff about the rise in cocaine use in Ireland and the associated problems with addiction and health related problems, notably increased risks of depression, anxiety, psychosis as well heart problem such as heart attacks and heart rhythm issues and stroke. Prof. O’Gara also discusses the presentations he seeing in his addiction rehab and treatment clinics.
Listen to Prof. O’Gara’s interview on Newstalk’s Moncrieff Show Here
21st July 2025
Available, affordable, potent: Ireland is being hit by ‘a perfect storm’ of cocaine
Ireland is in the midst of a “perfect storm” of cocaine, with increased availability, higher purity, and greater affordability, according to new research. The country’s leading drug experts said a range of indicators consistently point to a worsening problem and warn that there is potential for even “further increases” in cocaine use and harms. This underscores the need for greater resources for drug addiction rehab and support services.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
18th July 2025
Do we need to decriminalise drugs?
Dr McGovern, Medical Director and founder of the Priority Medical Clinic, was invited to talk on Newstalk’s Hard Shoulder today to discuss the comments by Minister of Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, regarding his view that illicit drugs should not be decriminalised, which was a recommendation being considered following the Citizens Assembly on Drugs in 2023. Prof. Patricia Casey was also a guest on the show and she agreed with Minister O’Callaghan. The Citizens Assembly advised a health led approach to drug use and advocated for more resources being invested in addiction rehab and treatment services.
Listen to Dr McGovern’s interview on Newstalk’s Hard Shoulder Here
17th July 2025
Cocaine related deaths surge by 1,800% since 2000
Dr McGovern, Medical Director and founder of the Priority Medical Clinic, was invited to talk on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show yesterday to discuss the rise in problematic cocaine use. “I think the one that stuck out is the 62 fold increase in people presenting for treatment,” he said. “This is a very, very big problem and I don’t think we have enough treatment to go around really, to be quite honest with you. “We are seeing more and more of it, certainly on the ground, and that’s the experience of my colleagues.” To meet the need for this problem more cocaine addiction treatment and rehab services are needed.
Listen to Dr McGovern’s interview on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show Here
16th July 2025
Delay on health labelling on alcohol comes amid uncertain trading environment
The expected deferral of health labelling on alcohol products is a signal of just how nervous the Government is about the present trading and economic environment. At a time when businesses and exporters are facing unprecedented uncertainty about trading conditions, Ministers were reluctant to add another cost for something many say is important, but fewer believe is urgent. Health labelling along with minimum unit pricing, curtailed alcohol advertising and greater access to alcohol addiction treatment and rehab services are important components of reducing alcohol related harm.
Read the Irish Times article Here
15th July 2025
10% increase in number of women seeking drug, alcohol treatment
There was a 10% increase in the number of women seeking treatment and rehab support for drug and alcohol addiction in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2024. The figure is from Coolmine Therapeutic Communities (CTC) in Dublin, which treated 1,394 people in the year to April. Alcohol remains the main substance that people seek treatment for, with cocaine following close behind. The drug surpasses alcohol in a number of regions, including Dublin.
Read the RTE.ie article Here
14th July 2025
Behind the scenes: Ships delivering drugs to Ireland are making drop-offs in other countries first
Cargo ships delivering large amounts of cocaine and other drugs to Ireland are suspected of making deliveries off the coast of Spain and Africa before coming to Irish shores, The Journal has learned. The ships, which are colloquially called motherships, meet smaller vessels off the coast and transfer the drugs in a process known as “coopering”. Sources have said that there is growing evidence that the drug ship, the MV Matthew, the site of Ireland’s biggest ever drug seizure, may have made a drop-off at the Canary Islands before moving on towards Ireland in September 2023. Unfortunately, prohibitionist drug policies do not reduce the amount of psychoactive drugs finding their way on to the streets, and people with addiction related issues are not well served being treated through a criminal justice rather than a health led avenue. Decriminalisation is being explored in light of the findings of the Citizens Assembly on Drugs, which also advocated for greater access to drug addiction treatment and rehab.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
11th July 2025
Benzodiazepine Addiction rehab treatment and support
Benzodiazepines are a large group of pharmaceutical drugs, with twelve million prescriptions issued per year; allowing for an increase in Benzo addiction within the UK, stemming from misusing prescription drugs such as Valium, Xanax, Tranax and Bromazepam. If you are dealing with benzodiazepine addiction, you should know you are not alone. The addictive nature of benzodiazepine drugs is constantly catching people from all walks of life off guard and inducing a full-blown addiction before too long, making it essential never to underestimate the dangers posed by pharmaceutical drugs. Benzodiazepine addiction rehab and treatment can help people mange their addiction and taper their dose in a safe way.
Read the ukat.co.uk article Here
10th July 2025
Stigma around addiction still very real, though data suggests a shift in attitudes
81% of Irish people say the drugs problem is out of control in this country, but are more educated and aware of the causes and solutions to tackling addiction than 25 years ago, according to new research published by Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), the homelessness and addiction charity. Addiction is often misunderstood and sometimes viewed as a moral failing rather than a problem that becomes unmanageable. Addiction rehab and treatment services offer people the support and compassion they need to help them get better.
Read the MQI.ie article Here
9th July 2025
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland Gambling Regulator publishes licensing application guidance
As we prepare for the commencement of licensing in the coming months the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has published Licensing Application Guidance to assist operators and future licensees familiarise themselves with the licensing process and the various steps to successfully submit their licence application. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, providers of gambling activities operating in Ireland or providing gambling products / gambling related services to consumers in Ireland will require a gambling licence granted by the GRAI. The initial focus is on opening for certain Business-to-Consumer licence applications. Gambling addiction is a desolate dependency which requires tailored addiction rehab and treatment support services.
Read the GRA.ie Guidance Here
8th July 2025
HSE aims to improve public knowledge that alcohol is a carcinogen that causes at least 7 types of cancer
New HSE research on alcohol shows that only 4 in 10 people are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer. Each year in Ireland there are approximately 1,000 alcohol related cancer cases. The World Health Organisation estimates that 40% of cancers are preventable through making behaviour changes. One of these is limiting alcohol intake as even small amounts can increase the risk of cancer. The HSE is promoting information and resources to the public to improve knowledge of the health impacts of alcohol, including cancer risk. The risk of cancer is particularly high for those drinking in a dependent was, These people need to address their drinking with ready access to alcohol addiction rehab and treatment support.
Read the HSE publication Here
7th July 2025
Opioid addiction three times higher in Dublin than the rest of Ireland, new study finds
The number of people with problematic use of opioids like heroin is three times higher in Dublin than the rest of Ireland, according to the findings of a new study. Research on the prevalence of problematic opioid use carried out by the Health Research Board and University College Cork estimated there were about 19,460 people countrywide at risk of harm from their use of opioids in 2022. It represents 5.8 per 1,000 population nationally affected by such drugs which include morphine, methadone, fentanyl, codeine and tramadol. Opioid addiction responds very well to opioid substitution treatment and patients should have no barriers to this treatment.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
4th July 2025
Sir Bradley Wiggins feared being found dead by his children during height of cocaine addiction
Sir Bradley Wiggins, Britain’s first Tour de France winner, has revealed how years as a functioning cocaine addict post-retirement left him fearing for his life. The 45-year-old five-time Olympic goal medallist outlined in his unflinching autobiography, The Chain, the extent to which he descended into debt and addition after retiring from cycling in 2016. “There were times my son thought I was going to be found dead in the morning,” said father-of-two Wiggins. “I was a functioning addict. People wouldn’t realise. I was high most of the time for many years.” Wiggins was able to overcome his addiction without entering a formal addiction rehab and treatment programme.
Read the Skysports.com article Here
3rd July 2025
‘A State-Backed Social Disease’: How Gambling Flourishes in Serbia and Bosnia
2nd July 2025
Minister for Children Disability and Equality Norma Foley announces €330,000 in funding to support Ireland’s Prevention and Early Intervention programmes for children and young people
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, TD has today announced a suite of measures to support Ireland’s Prevention and Early Intervention programmes for children and young people, including a new funding scheme, a series of webinars, and research funding for a new Prevention and Early Intervention model. The funding for these initiatives is being made available through the What Works prevention and early intervention initiative which receives its funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). The DAF is managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Prevention programmes are an essential component of fostering good mental health and well being in young people as well adolescent addiction rehab and treatment services for those developing addiction related difficulties.
Read the gov.ie publication Here
1st July 2025
More women are being jailed for theft, addiction, and trauma-linked crimes
Research conducted by the Irish Examiner of more than 5,000 court cases from the Cork city courts between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, found 13% of people sentenced to jail time in Cork in that time period were women. The research shows that just over half of female offenders jailed for theft have addiction issues, and are likely to either have an address with Cork Simon or be of no fixed address. The percentage of offenders with addiction issues stands at around 70% for those convicted on public order or assault charges.. Given this level of addiction problems it is important that addiction rehab and treatment services are made available to women both inside and outside prison.
Read the Irish Examiner article article Here
30th June 2025
169 young people sought treatment for HHC drug in last 18 months – Health Research Board
Since the beginning of last year, 169 young people have sought treatment for problems with Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a drug contained in some vapes and edibles, figures from the Health Research Board show. The substance is available for sale in vape shops across the country. The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has reiterated its call for the drug to be banned because of problems with addiction and serious mental health issues. John, 18, who does not want to be identified, became addicted to and had serious mental health effects from vapes containing HHC. It is imperative that readily available addiction rehab and treatment services are available to meet the need of people running into addiction problems.
Read the RTE.ie article Here
27th June 2025
Why Ireland needs to rethink the stories we tell about drug use
Today is global day of action calling for drug policies based on health and human rights — Support. Don’t Punish Day. On a day like today, it’s clear that we need to move away from the narrative of blaming individuals and predominantly focusing on enforcement. Consistent, empathetic narratives must become the standard if health-led drug policies are to be effective.
Read the Journal article Here
26th June 2025
Alcohol health-warning labels to be delayed amid US-EU tariff dispute, says Harris
The introduction of health-warning labels on alcohol products will need to be delayed due to concerns over the trade tariff dispute with the United States, according to Tánaiste Simon Harris. He also highlighted how there is just “13 days to do a deal between Europe and the United States” that will protect jobs, investment and the economy here and elsewhere in the European Union. When he announced his tariffs, US president Donald Trump initially said trade coming from the EU would be subject to a 20 per cent rate, before more recently threatening tariffs of 50 per cent if no deal was agreed before July 9th. There should be no further delay in implementing this health promoting policy. Along with alcohol addiction rehab and treatment it is an essential step in reducing alcohol related harm.
Read the Irish Times article Here
25th June 2025
‘Devastating’ nitrous oxide available to buy on popular Irish websites
A psychoactive drug used by teenagers and party goers, could be bought by Irish shoppers on popular online sites. The Journal Investigates found large canisters of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, on online classified ad sites and even the Irish version of Amazon. During our investigation, we could also buy it directly from brands who sell the gas online, revealing just how easy it can be for anyone, including children, to obtain it. Nitrous oxide use comes with harms and timely intervention in addiction rehab and treatment need to be available to those developing dependence.
Read the Journal article Here
24th June 2025
Bursar of private school jailed for stealing €500,000 from school to fund gambling addiction
A bursar at a private secondary school has been jailed for one year for stealing half a million euros from the school to fund a gambling addiction. The judge said that, despite mitigation, including her selling her home and signing over her pension to repay most of the money, the ‘egregious breach of trust’ had to be marked with a custodial sentence. Mary Higgins (63), with an address at Hawthorn Lawn, Castleknock, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today. She had pleaded guilty to stealing €500,000 from Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod between January 1, 2012, and March 23, 2017. Theft is a well recognised feature of problematic gambling and early intervention with addiction rehab and treatment is essential to reduce the inevitable toll that is associated with it.
Read the Journal article Here
23rd June 2025
Cork crime: homeless people account for a quarter of jail terms, new ‘Irish Examiner’ study reveals
Theft, assault, public order, or drugs offences were the most mentioned offences in the city courts, with men accounting for 87% of all the jail terms. Their sentences were on average twice as long as those imposed on women, the data shows. Interestingly, 72% of those sampled had addiction related issues underscoring the need for timely and optimum addiction rehab and treatment interventions.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
20th June 2025
Minister for Mental Health launches ‘Navigator’ signposting tool to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people
New digital tool by spunout provides anonymous, immediate, and personalised access to mental health resources and service recommendations. Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has today launched ‘Navigator’ a signposting tool designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 14 to 34 across Ireland. Youth mental health and addiction are often closely linked and requires tailored dual diagnosis mental health and addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the www.gov.ie article Here
19th June 2025
North city parks becoming virtual no-go areas for council workers due to drug crime, TD says
Three Dublin city parks are in danger of not being maintained as council workers say they are too dangerous to work in, a TD has claimed. Gary Gannon, the Social Democrats justice spokesman and a Dublin Central TD since 2020, has highlighted significant problems with violence and intimidation by young men engaged in the drugs trade in the north inner city. Addiction to illicit drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin can often lead to people entwined in a life of crime to pay drug debts off. Sufferers need access to addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the Jornal.ie article Here
18th June 2025
Outcry over ‘exploitative’ gaming machine arcade planned for Ballymun
HSE addiction services, youth and community projects, sports clubs, businesses, residents, TDs and councillors have condemned the proposal, for one of the most socially disadvantaged areas in the state, as inappropriate and harmful. Plans for the facility show rows of machines with individual seats in front of them, raising acute fears locally that slot and other gambling machines will be installed. The unit is just metres from a HSE drug treatment clinic. Gambling is a pervasive addiction and it requires prompt intervention with rehab and treatment facilities.
Read the Journal.ie article Here
17th June 2025
‘Ongoing concern in relation to ketamine use among young people’
HSE experts have issued fresh warnings of the risks posed by ketamine, as new research from the Netherlands deepens concerns associated with the drug. Ketamine, an hallucinogenic drug that is increasingly popular among some young people, has featured in a number of drug hauls in Ireland this year and is typically seized alongside other “party drugs”, such as cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy). Ketamine addiction requires readily available addiction rehab and treatment services.
Read the Irish Examiner article Here
16th June 2025
Up in smoke: Minister for Health snubs tobacco industry
The tobacco industry’s hopes of meeting the Minister for Health went up in smoke recently when requests were snubbed citing commitments to World Health Organisation (WHO) articles on tobacco regulation. Two of the largest tobacco companies in the world have urged the Irish Government to regulate nicotine pouches and to add age restrictions to the product, according to documents released to The Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act. Addiction to combustible tobacco requires a tailored approach and safer nicotine products play a huge part in helping smokers quit.
Read the Irish Times article Here
13th June 2025
Gambling addiction recovery app launches in West Virginia
The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia (PGHNWV) has teamed up with CHESS Health to launch a new app to support people struggling with gambling addiction. The PGHNWV has debuted a customised version of the Connections recovery app, which has been specifically designed for gambling-related issues for the first time. The app offers 24/7 crisis support, virtual support meetings, and moderated peer communities, as well as daily check-ins and educational content. The app also has the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline integrated into it, alongside dedicated forums for gambling-related support. This is an important development in supporting people with gambling problems who need addiction rehab and treatment
Read the Gaming Intelligence article Here
12th June 2025
WHO launches new collaborating centre on alcohol policy and public health research
The World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Health Promotion is pleased to announce the designation of the Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH) at the University of Stirling, Scotland, as a new WHO Collaborating Centre for Alcohol Policy and Public Health Research. With more than four decades of international research expertise on marketing, behaviour change and public policy, ISMH becomes one of the few WHO Collaborating Centres specifically focused on alcohol policy. Strong alcohol policy allied to access to good quality alcohol rehab and treatment support are important features of a good strategy in reducing alcohol related harm.
Read the WHO report Here