The number of heroin users in drug treatment has reached record numbers, with almost 11,500 receiving substitute medication. Almost 1,000 extra people were brought into treatment services across the country in the last two years, during the pandemic, including around 100 in Cork and Kerry. The growth in heroin users entering treatment and receiving either methadone or suboxone was part of a “concerted” effort by HSE addiction services, with the help of voluntary bodies. “Within this increase there has been a 240% increase in the number of people receiving OST using buprenorphine-based products,” he said. Commenting, Tony Duffin, CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, welcomed figures showing the numbers receiving OST had risen.

Source: Irish Examiner February 21, 2022 21:53 UTC