Addiction figures suggest ‘real progress’
Alcohol and cocaine remain the two leading substances prompting addiction treatment in the South West, but new figures suggest positive trends in outcome and engagement.
Statistics released by Coolmine Therapeutic Community for the first quarter of 2025 show alcohol is the number one substance for which people are seeking treatment in Cork and Kerry, accounting for 52% of all cases.
Cocaine is the second most prevalent, involved in 24% of cases, while cases involving heroin and benzodiazepines have declined since the same period last year.
Cases involving cannabis accounted for 12% of those seeking treatment.
In the first quarter of 2025, 524 individuals accessed treatment and support through Coolmine’s South West services. Of these, 210 were female and 314 were male.
The stats show the number of individuals completing treatment rose to 37, while in positive news, missed appointments dropped sharply from 160 in the first quarter of 2024 to 55 in the first quarter of 2025.
Coolmine operates five treatment centres across Cork city and county and one main centre in Kerry. It also has centres in Dublin and the midwest.
Stephen Cashman, South West Regional Services Manager at Coolmine, said the latest figures show “real progress”, in both engagement and in outcomes.
He said: “We’re seeing more women seeking help, fewer missed appointments, and more people completing treatment. We're proud of the trust our community places in us.
“I encourage anyone facing addiction to reach out; support is available and it’s never too late to turn things around.
“Our clients are rebuilding relationships, improving their health, and finding positive pathways in work, training, and education,” added Mr Cashman.
Coolmine delivers community-based services across North Cork (Mallow), East Cork (Midleton), West Cork (Ahiohill), and two Cork city hubs (northside and southside).
All locations offer assessments, case management, key working, and group therapy.
To improve accessibility in rural areas, satellite clinics operate throughout the county.
In Kerry, the main service is based in Tralee, supported by satellite clinics in Listowel, Castleisland, Dingle, and Killarney.
Delivered in collaboration with the HSE, these clinics make treatment more accessible across the county.