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Coolmine Reports 35% Surge in People Seeking Addiction Support

Coolmine's chief executive says services must extend into local and rural communities to meet rising cocaine-related need.

Overview

  • The annual report published on 21 October confirms 3,293 individuals and families were supported last year compared with 2023.
  • Women accessing help rose 11% to 1,396, which Coolmine links to reduced barriers such as stigma, childcare provision and responses to domestic violence.
  • Presentations by primary substance were alcohol 35%, cocaine 32%, cannabis 11%, tranquillisers 8% and heroin 7.5%.
  • Coolmine delivered whole-family supports, with 326 families receiving counselling, parenting and education, and 52 children entering women's residential services with their mothers.
  • CEO Pauline McKeown cites cocaine use across socioeconomic groups and complex needs including homelessness and past imprisonment, while Dublin figures show residential units at capacity, 39% cocaine presentations and a 22% rise in outreach to 615 clients in the first nine months.